Speciation & Extinction Review

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What is speciation?

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The process by which new species arise from existing species, often due to genetic divergence and environmental factors.

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What is extinction?

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The end of an organism or a group of organisms, typically due to failure to adapt or compete in their environment.

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What is background extinction?

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The normal rate of extinction of various species as a result of natural processes.

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What is mass extinction?

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A significant and rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth, often due to catastrophic events.

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What is the Precambrian era?

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The longest geological era, covering about 88% of Earth's history, before the Cambrian period.

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What is the Quaternary period?

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The most recent geological time period, which began about 2.6 million years ago and continues to the present.

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What is the difference between speciation and extinction?

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Speciation is the formation of new species, while extinction is the complete loss of a species.

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What factors can lead to speciation?

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Geographic isolation, environmental changes, and genetic divergence can all lead to speciation.

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What is an example of a species that has gone extinct?

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The woolly mammoth is an example of a species that is now extinct.

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What does it mean when populations can no longer successfully breed?

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It indicates that speciation has occurred, as the populations have diverged enough to prevent interbreeding.

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