Asked by no
what two factors affected the development of new species
All Answers 1
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
Two key factors that affect the development of new species (speciation) are:
1. Genetic variation — differences in DNA among individuals caused by mutation, recombination and gene flow. Variation provides the raw material for evolution so populations can diverge when different alleles become common.
2. Reproductive isolation — any barrier that prevents gene flow between populations (geographic isolation, behavioral, temporal, mechanical, or gametic barriers). Isolation allows populations to accumulate different mutations and adaptations independently until they can no longer interbreed.
Natural selection, genetic drift and sexual selection are the main evolutionary processes that act on the genetic variation once populations are isolated, driving divergence into distinct species (for example, Darwin’s finches on the Galápagos: geographic isolation + different selective pressures on beak shape).
1. Genetic variation — differences in DNA among individuals caused by mutation, recombination and gene flow. Variation provides the raw material for evolution so populations can diverge when different alleles become common.
2. Reproductive isolation — any barrier that prevents gene flow between populations (geographic isolation, behavioral, temporal, mechanical, or gametic barriers). Isolation allows populations to accumulate different mutations and adaptations independently until they can no longer interbreed.
Natural selection, genetic drift and sexual selection are the main evolutionary processes that act on the genetic variation once populations are isolated, driving divergence into distinct species (for example, Darwin’s finches on the Galápagos: geographic isolation + different selective pressures on beak shape).
Submit Your Answer
We prioritize human answers over AI answers.
If you are human, and you can answer this question, please submit your answer.