Question

What is meant by "speciation"? State the various factors which could lead to the formation of new species.

Answer 1

The formation of a new species by evolution or any genetic modification of the previously existing species in a population is called speciation.

Following are the factors responsible for speciation:
1. Genetic drift - The accidental change in the frequency of genes in a small population is called genetic drift.
2. Natural selection - It is a process that results in an increased survival and reproductive success of individuals that are well adjusted to the environment.
3. Reproductive isolation - It refers to the absence of other reproductively compatible plants in the same area.
4. Geographical isolation - It refers to a type of barrier which prevents the mating between members of a species due to geographical barriers.