How does speciation occur?

Speciation can be sympatric (both populations in the same place) or allopatric (populations in different places). Speciation can result from natural selection and isolation.
Natural Selection:1) A new selection pressure arises. (eg drought, new predator, etc.)2) The selection pressure acts on existing genetic variation in population.3) Different genotypes are selected for in different groups.4) Natural selection, mutation and genetic drift cause the accumulation of phenotypic differences.5) The groups become reproductively isolated as they can't reproduce to form fertile offspring.6) Speciation has occurred.
Isolation:1) Two populations of the same species become geographically isolated by a feature of the environment. (eg river, mountain range, etc)2) Interbreeding and gene flow between the populations is prevented by the geographic feature.3) Phenotypic differences accumulate between the different groups due to differing selection pressures, genetic drift and mutations.4) The groups become reproductively isolated as they can't reproduce to form fertile offspring.5) Speciation has occurred.

NG
Answered by Nicholas G. Biology tutor

3730 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are enzymes and how do they work?


In genetics, what is sex linkage and give an example


How is the DNA prepared for it to be replicated?


Explain how you would test for the presence of lipids and proteins in an unknown solution. Give details on any observations you would expect to make.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning