How are different species formed?

For a new species to form, first 2 groups of animals or plants must become physically spearated to form 2 different groups.

Each group will have genetic variation within the group meaning that there is a wide range of alleles to control the characteristics of the individuals in the group.

some of these alleles will be advantageous and help the individuals with these alleles survive. Therefore, thse individuals will be able to reproduce and pass on these alleles to their offspring. This is called natural selection.

Over many years, the 2 different groups will select for different alleles and so become so genetically different that they will no longer be able to interbreed with each other and so are now separate species.

SR
Answered by Susannah R. Biology tutor

3496 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the structure of the heart and its function in the human circulatory system.


How does the structure of the red blood cell allow it to carry out its functions?


Describe a simple food chain and the trophic levels within it


What is Evolution?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning