Evolution

Speciation

종분화

Definition

The evolutionary process by which new biological species arise from existing populations through reproductive isolation.

Detailed Explanation

Allopatric speciation occurs when geographic barriers separate populations; sympatric speciation happens without physical separation through ecological or behavioral isolation. The cichlid fish of African Rift Lakes diversified into hundreds of species within a single lake through mate-choice-based sympatric speciation. Speciation rate is central to understanding why some lineages are species-rich while others remain depauperate.

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