Speciation: Quick Facts

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Photos and Videos

A diagram illustrating speciation, showing how a parent species splits into isolated populations due to physical or climatic barriers, eventually evolving into two distinct new species labeled A and B. Text explains each stage of population separation and genetic divergence.

Adaptive radiation in Galapagos finches

Apple maggot fly

Three cichlid fish from the genus Diplotaxodon are arranged side by side on a textured green surface.

Evolution and diversity in Galapagos finches

The difference between species and speciation, explained

The unique animal life of the Galapagos Islands

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Topics

hybridization character displacement anagenesis allopatric speciation cladogenesis genetic change quantum speciation reproductive isolation incipient species type specimen adaptation extinction coevolution emergence natural selection selection Variation mosaic evolution Creative evolution parallel evolution

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Key People

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Theodosius Dobzhansky

American scientist

Johann Christian Fabricius, engraving by G.L. Lahde, 1805

Johann Christian Fabricius

Danish entomologist