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Speciation

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Speciation
Melinda Jones
Bio/240
Anna Maria Sloan March 8, 2016

Speciation
Charles Darwin’s thoughts on species and how they evolve into organisms that have different characteristics are complicated. Not all naturalists are satisfied with his definitions of species and speciation but they all have a general idea of what he meant. Species can be broken down into four categories; typological, nominalist, evolutionary and biological species. Speciation, according to Darwin, “is this process of multiplication, occurring when one population splits into two reproductively isolated populations” (Charles Darwin and Evolution, 2009, para. 4). Darwin’s idea was that, through both gradual evolution and isolation, species will eventually turn into two distinct species. There are three examples of speciation that can further explain the process of speciation. Those examples are; allopatric speciation, sympatric speciation and Polyploidy.
Allopatric speciation Allopatric speciation is defined as species “originating in or occupying different geographical area” (Dictionary.com, 2013, para. 1). This example goes on to explain how, although it may be the same species, if living in different areas of the world they may exhibit different characteristics to help them adapt and survive in their environment. The one species will turn into two very different species due to a physical barrier (geographical location) and not being able to reproduce with each other. An example of allopatric speciation would be the Galapagos finch. Different groups of this bird lived on different islands in the Galapagos Islands and over time started to display one main difference in characteristics—the beak. The needs of these birds for survival are different and evolution has helped them adapt in each area to have the characteristics they need for survival. If they are only able to breed in the one geographical area, then that area is the only place that will have that characteristic.
Sympatric speciation Sympatric speciation occurs when there are no physical barriers but the species seems to take on different characteristics despite the lack of physical barriers. So the species live in the same area but may depend on different types of food and shelter. These differences may produce a different species due to need for adapting to them. Many scientists don’t believe this is a valid point. “A possible example of sympatric speciation is the apple maggot, an insect that lays its egg inside the fruit of an apple causing it to rot” (National Geographic, 2013, para. 5). Originally, the apple maggot only laid its eggs in a relative of the apple called the hawthorn. After the apple was introduced to North America, a maggot appeared that started to lay eggs in the apple. The original hawthorn species still only lays its eggs in the hawthorn but the other species of maggot lays eggs in apples. Some scientists believe that they are going through a process of sympatric speciation.
Polyploidy
Polyploidy is where “a species may originate from an accident during cell division that results in extra sets of chromosomes” (Reece, et al, 2011, p. 495). So this has nothing to do with environmental adaption. An example of polyploidy would be the gray tree frog, but is more common in plants. “Botanists estimate that more than 80% of the plant species alive today are descended from ancestors that formed by polyploid speciation” (Reece, et. al., 2011, p. 495). There are two forms of polyploidy; autopolyploid and tetraploid. Autopolyploid has more than two sets of chromosomes and they are derived from a single species. “A tetraploid can produce fertile tetraploid offspring by self-pollinating or by mating with other tetraploids” (Reece, et. al., 2011, p. 495). The polyploid speciation is a complex process and can have different outcomes depending on the division of cells.
Conclusion
Charles Darwin made a large contribution to science with his observations and theories. Species and the way they adapt to their surroundings by making physical changes (characteristics) is a complex process and understand it is the only way to fully understand evolution. Species, whether it is plant or animal, will always make the necessary changes they need for survival according to their environment. This idea comes from the survival of the fittest. Those that are strong will adapt and reproduce and those that are weak will parish. Darwin’s idea on gradual evolution and isolation proves to be true when it comes to one species changing over time to become two separate species.

References 1. Charles Darwin and Evolution (2009). Speciation: The Origin of Species. Retrieved from http://darwin200.christs.cam.ac.uk/pages/index.php?page_id=d5 2. Dictionary.com (2013). Allopathic. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/allopatric 3. National Geographic (2013). Speciation. Retrieved from http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/speciation/?ar_a=1 4. Reece, J.B., Urry, L.A., Cain, M.L., Wasserman, S.A., Minorsky, P.V. & Jackson R.V. (2011). 5. Campbell Biology with Mastering Biology (9th ed.). Retrieved from the University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.

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