Speciation

Describe evolutionary processes leading to speciation.

Evolutionary processes involve the following biological ideas:

• role of mutation
• gene flow
• role of natural selection and genetic drift
• modes of speciation (sympatric, allopatric)
• reproductive isolating mechanisms that contribute to speciation (geographical, temporal, ecological, behavioural, structural barriers, polyploidy)
• patterns such as divergence, convergence, adaptive radiation, co-evolution, punctuated equilibrium, and gradualism.

Scientific evidence for evolution:

• fossil evidence
• comparative anatomy (homologous and analogous structures)
• molecular biology (proteins and DNA analysis)
• biogeography.

Often with a focus on NZ fauna and flora.