spe·ci·a·tion (sp  sh-  sh n, -s-)n. The evolutionary formation of new biological species, usually by the division of a single species into two or more genetically distinct ones. spe ci·ate v.spe ci·ation·al adj. |
speciation [ˌspiːʃɪˈeɪʃən]
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) the evolutionary development of a biological species, as by geographical isolation of a group of individuals from the main stock
[from species + -ation]
| speciation (spsh-shn) The formation of new biological species by the development or branching of one species into two or more genetically distinct ones. The divergence of species is thought to result primarily from the geographic isolation of a population, especially when confronted with environmental conditions that vary from those experienced by the rest of the species, and from the random change in the frequency of certain alleles (known as genetic drift). According to the theory of evolution, all life on Earth has resulted from the speciation of earlier organisms. See also adaptive radiation. |
speciation
the formation of new species.
See also: Biology
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | speciation - the evolution of a biological species organic evolution, phylogenesis, phylogeny, evolution - (biology) the sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms |
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