Ecotypes and Species

1
Ecotypes and Species

• Matt, Kevin, Josh, Tinus

2
What is an Ecotype?

• An ECOTYPE is a population of species that
  differs genetically from other populations of the
  same species because local conditions have
  selected for certain unique physiological
  (functional) or morphological (anatomical)
  characteristics.
• (Source everythingbio.com)

3
Ecotype vs. Species

• While species are a more broad category, ecotypes
  are narrowed down more specifically.
• SPECIES Consists of individuals that are capable
  of interbreeding freely with one another but not
  with others. (reproductively isolated)
• (Source Life The Science of Biology)

4
Ecotype Vs. species (Contd)

• Ecotypes, while maintaining all the general
  characteristics of the species to which they
  belong, also uniquely adapt slowly to their local
  environment
• This adaptation allows them to thrive in their
  specific location

5
How do Ecotypes Appear?

• Ecotypes appear in response to a process of
  natural selection within species.
• NATURAL SELECTION is the Survival of the
  Fittest along with the Reproduction of the
  Fittest.
• (Source Class Notes and Life
• The Science of Biology)

6
How do Ecotypes Appear? (Contd)

• This process of Natural Selection facilitates
  evolution by allowing certain traits to be
  perpetuated.
• These traits are what separate specific ecotypes
  from the species as a whole.

7
From Ecotype to Species

• An ecotype may become a species through a process
  of isolation which keeps the ecotype from
  interbreeding with others within the species
• This can occur through two primary process

8
From Ecotypes to Species (contd)

• ALLOTROPIC SPECIATION occurs when a population is
  divided by a physical barrier (such as mountains,
  water, etc.)
• This is thought to be the dominant mode of
  speciation among most groups of organisms
• (Source Life The Science of Biology)

9
From Ecotypes to Species (contd)

• The other form of speciation, SYMPATRIC
  SPECIATION, occurs without physical isolation.
• This occurs usually through some sort of
  disruption in the environment which causes
  variation in certain members of a species.
• (Source Life The Science of Biology)

10
THE END