Question

List three main factors responsible for speciation and describe each one of them

Answer 1

Speciation is the process in which one or more species arise from previously existing species due to reproductive isolation of a part of its population.

Factors responsible for speciation:

• Gene flow must be stopped so that subpopulations become genetically isolated.
• Mutation plays a role in speciation.
• Changes in allele and genotype frequencies within the populations, by natural selection
• Genetic isolation leads to the formation new species.
• Geographical barriers such as mountain ranges, seas or rivers may produce a barrier to gene flow and the inability of organisms or their gametes to meet leads to reproductive isolation and hence speciation.
• Sometimes crossing of two unrelated species (Genetic Engineering) can also lead to speciation.