BIOL 1202 Chapter : Biology 1202
Document Summary
Defines a species as a population or group of populations whose members have the potential to interbreed in nature and produce viable, fertile offspring. Cannot be applied to: asexual organisms, fossils, organisms about which little is known regarding their reproduction. Dependent on: reproductive isolation, genetic divergence. The existence of biological factors that impede members of two species from producing variable, fertile offspring. Postzygotic barriers- keeps it from becoming a viable fertile offspring. Impede mating between species or hinder the fertilization of ova if members of different species attempt to mate. Often prevents the hybrid zygote from developing into a viable, fertile adult. Reduced hybrid fertility- mule is sterile so they do not reproduce. Hybrid breakdown- offspring is able to survive, but has a lower fitness compared to parents. Concept 24. 2: speciation can take place with or without geographic separation. Speciation can occur in two ways: allopatric speciation, sympatric speciation.
