How Evolution Works 7: Speciation

I discuss what speciation is, and how it works. Examples and peer reviewed references are also given.

For information regarding how organisms with Robertsonian translocations can reproduce, see

Bruere AN, Ellis PM., Cytogenetics and reproduction of sheep with multiple centric fusions (Robertsonian translocations). J Reprod Fertil 1979 Nov;57(2):363-75.

References:
[1] Britton-Davidian et al. Rapid chromosomal evolution in island mice.
Nature. 2000 Jan 13;403(6766):158.
[2] Podos, Jeff. Vocal mechanics in Darwin's finches: correlation of beak gape and song frequency.
Journal of Experimental Biology 207, 607-619 (2004).
[3] Miller, Hilary C. A molecular phylogeny of New Zealands Petroica (Aves: Petroicidae) species based on mitochondrial DNA sequences.
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution: Volume 40, Issue 3, September 2006, Pages 844-855
[4] Katharine Byrne and Richard A Nichols (1999) "Culex pipiens in London Underground tunnels: differentiation between surface and subterranean populations"
[5] Byrne, K. and R. A. Nichols, 1999. Culex pipiens in London Underground tunnels: differentiation between surface and subterranean populations. Heredity 82: 7-15.
[6] Nuttall, Nick, 1998. Stand clear of the Tube's 100-year-old super-bug. Times (London), 26 Aug. 1998, 1. http://www.gene.ch/gentech/1998/Jul-Sep/msg00188.html
[7] Feder, J. L., C. A. Chilcote and G. L. Bush. 1988. Genetic differentiation between sympatric host races of the apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella. Nature. 336:61-64.
[8] Prokopy, R. J., S. R. Diehl, and S. H. Cooley. 1988. Oecologia. 76:138.
[9] McPheron, B. A., D. C. Smith and S. H. Berlocher. 1988. Genetic differentiation between host races of Rhagoletis pomonella. Nature. 336:64-66.
[10] Schluter, D. 1996. Ecological speciation in postglacial fishes. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, Series B 351: 807-814. Also, see [12]
[11] Halliburton, R. and G. A. E. Gall. 1981. Disruptive selection and assortative mating in Tribolium castaneum. Evolution. 35:829-843.
[12] McKinnon, J. S., S. Mori, B. Blackman, L. David, D. M. Kingsley, L. Jamieson, J. Chou, and D. Schluter. 2004. Evidence for ecologys role in speciation. Nature 429: 294-298.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• how
• evolution
• works
• speciation
• sympatry
• stickelback
• drosophila
• intelligent
• design
• creationism
• darwin
• dawkins

[awatson945]

I used to be an ID proponent. I know about the moths and you've got the details wrong. Even if your claim were true, it isn't, then it would not change the facts of the peer reviewed refrences and examples cited in the video.

There is no grand conspiracy of science. Mistakes and fraud have been exposed by other scientists. That's what peer review is all about.

As for the moths. If you are intelectually honest the facts can be found at Talk Origins. Send me a PM if you want the link.

[rkyeun]

Speciation does not result in an increase in genetic material. Increase in genetic material is irrelevant. Change in genetic material is relevant, and speciation results from that, not causes it. Speciation results in an increase in the number of species, splitting a larger and more diverse population into two smaller less diverse populations which then continue to grow in different directions.

The new feature is that the two species are now distinct and can no longer interbreed.

[blurglide]

Although Darwin's finches typically don't mate with each other, they are ABLE and will do so on occasion.

[KawaiiKemonomimi]

You should keep the intro. Very cool.

[awatson945]

@achilles197474 All I can find about Winslow and and evolution is a list of scientists who declare skepticism that mutations can account for the diversity of life. A: Evolutionists do NOT hold any such absolutist opinion (see genetic drift). B.) The list of biologists who accept evolution and are named Steve (or a derivation therof) is far greater than all scientist, regardless of field, who reject evolution.

[awatson945]

@achilles197474 I never said anything about accepting or rejecting "Darwinian evolution". Try again.

[achilles197474]

@awatson945 "You can't and won't get a job in biological research without understanding evolution." Really? "In 2009, Lisanne Winslow was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to teach and conduct research at the Misaki Marine Biology laboratory in the Konagawa Prefecture, Japan. Dr. Winslow investigated the immune system of three species of Asian Pacific sea urchin and their role as biological indicators of the effects of global warming and rising ocean temperatures." She rejects Darwinian evolution.

[awatson945]

@achilles197474 I will because I can. It's a bit more complicated than you suggest but they do exist. Further we have many examples or things like bacteria and mice. I will PM you the link but for anyone else following Google "hartnell superfly".

[achilles197474]

@awatson945 OK, name the mutations that make improvements in fruit flies. You won't because you can't.