BIO 121 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: Microevolution, Allopatric Speciation, Mate Choice
23 Mar 2018
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Document Summary
Speciation- (forming of new species) if the focal point of evolutionary theory. New species form when some individuals can no longer interbreed with the rest of the group. Biological species concept- defines a species as members of populations that actually or potentially interbreed in nature, not according to similarity of appearance. Although appearance is helpful in identifying species, it does not define species. Organisms may look different and yet be the same species. Definition has changed over time- it used to be based on morphology body structure outward similarities. Members of the same biological species are reproductively compatible with each other: Produce living fertile offspring when they breed. Dont breed this way with members of other species. There are many different human populations around the world, and we can all interbreed. Gene flow from one population to another. Limits of biological species concept- some species can"t be defined by it.
