Genome-wide analysis that identifies the loci and islands of divergence responsible for reproductive isolation.
Genome scans reveal 'islands of divergence' in otherwise similar genomes; gene flow may continue in other regions. Genes such as Hmr and Lhr in Drosophila cause hybrid incompatibility.
Chromosomal inversions can protect favoured combinations.
Genome-wide analysis that identifies the loci and islands of divergence responsible for reproductive isolation.
Speciation Genomics is one of the 53 topics in Evolution. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Reproductive Isolation, Divergent Evolution, Sympatric Speciation.
In Heliconius butterflies, wing pattern loci sit in divergent regions between species.
Work through the Beginner topics in Evolution first, such as Evolution, Natural Selection, Charles Darwin, then return to Speciation Genomics. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
The closest topics to Speciation Genomics are Reproductive Isolation, Divergent Evolution, Sympatric Speciation, Molecular Clock. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Speciation Genomics. To practise the whole of Evolution, use the Evolution quiz.
Speciation Genomics: Genome-wide analysis that identifies the loci and islands of divergence responsible for reproductive isolation. Reproductive Isolation: Prezygotic and postzygotic barriers that prevent gene exchange between species. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Reproductive Isolation and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Evolution quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Prezygotic and postzygotic barriers that prevent gene exchange between species.
🦎 EvolutionRelated species become increasingly different as they adapt to separate environments.
🦎 EvolutionNew species arising within the same area, often through polyploidy or ecological specialisation.
🦎 EvolutionUses the steady rate of neutral mutations to estimate when lineages diverged.
🦎 Evolution