Speciation

Abstract

Speciation is the process through which new species arise through the splitting of lineages within parent species. There is much debate regarding both the rate and mode of speciation among living populations. Phyletic gradualism and punctuated equilibrium represent two ends of a spectrum regarding the rate at which speciation occurs—painting two very different pictures of these events. Meanwhile, the mode of speciation is often classified in terms of spatial context by researchers to produce a continuum of mechanisms ranging from complete geographic isolation between populations in allopatric speciation to no geographic separation in sympatric speciation. However, many scientists agree that speciation is far too prolonged and complex a process to be easily classified into concrete categories. It is considered more prudent to view this process as a collection of stages, each with its own set of evolutionary forces driving the course of speciation itself.