Define 'speciation'. | The formation of new species from existing ones, usually due to populations becoming different and unable to reproduce with each other. |
Define 'habitat fragmentation'. | When a habitat is divided into smaller parts, which can separate and plants and animals, impacting their survival and interactions. |
Describe examples of human causes toward 'habitat fragmentation'. | Urbanisation, deforestation, mining and agriculture projects. |
Describe examples of natural causes toward 'habitat fragmentation'. | Geological processes, climate change, rivers and water bodies, erosion. |
What factors can influence 'gene flow'. | Factors such as spatial and temporal isolation, as well as reproductive barriers and geographic barriers.
They limit or prevent the exchange of genetic material between populations, promoting genetic differentiation, leading to the formation of distinct lineages or species. |
What are the modes of 'speciation'? | Allopatric, sympatric, parapatric |
Describe 'allopatric speciation'. | Occurs when a single population is geographically isolated into separate geographic areas, leading to the evolution of reproductive barriers and the eventual formation of two or more separate species. |
Describe 'sympatric speciation'. | The formation of new species within the same geographic area without geographical isolation, often due to factors like ecological adaptations or genetic changes leading to reproductive barriers. |
Describe 'parapatric speciation'. | Occurs when two closely related populations with limited geographic overlap gradually evolve into separate species due to factors like genetic and ecological differences. |
Explain how populations with reduced genetic diversity face an increased risk of extinction. | Populations with reduced genetic diversity face an increased risk of extinction as they have limited genetic variation, making them more vulnerable to environmental changes and less capable of adapting to new challenges. |
Define a 'population bottleneck' | When a large population drastically decreases in size, causing a significant loss of genetic diversity and impacting the ability to survive and adapt to changes in the environment. |
What are the four possible patterns of diversification a species can follow? | Divergent, convergent, parallel and coevolution |