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biology 16.3 terms
Term | Definition |
---|---|
speciation | the formation of new species as a result of evolution |
morphology | the study of the structure and form of an organism |
biological species concept | the principle that defines a species as a group of organisms whose members can interbreed to produce offspring |
geographic isolation | the physical separation of populations due to geographic barriers that prevent interbreeding |
allopatric speciation | happens when species arise as a result of geographic isolation. |
reproductive isolation | the inability of members of a population to successfully interbreed with members of another population of the same or a related species |
prezygotic isolation | occurs before fertilization |
postzygotic isolation | occurs after fertilization |
sympatric speciation | occurs when two sub populations become reproductively isolated within the same geographic area. |
gradualism | a model of evolution in which gradual change over a long period of time leads to biological diversity |
punctuated equilibrium | a model of evolution in which short periods of drastic change in species, including mass extinctions and rapid speciation, are separated by long periods of little or no change |