The language of isolation: a commentary on Westram et al., 2022

Review Ecology

What is reproductive isolation?

Anja M. Westram et al.

Summary: Reproductive isolation is a core concept in evolutionary biology, but lacks a clear definition and is difficult to measure in practice. It is a quantitative measure of the effect that genetic differences between populations have on gene flow. The measurement of reproductive isolation depends strongly on circumstances and integrating organismal and genetic approaches is encouraged.

JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY (2022)

Add to Collection

Article Ecology

Comparative studies on speciation: 30 years since Coyne and Orr

Daniel R. Matute et al.

Summary: Population divergence and speciation processes have been central questions in evolutionary biology, with long-standing research providing valuable insights into species formation. Revisiting the work of Coyne and Orr, we find both well-supported and potentially less robust results, prompting a focus on novel methods and data for future research in speciation. The field shows promise for continued advancement, despite its current bias towards Drosophila and other model systems.

EVOLUTION (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Ecology

Defining the speciation continuum

Sean Stankowski et al.

Summary: The understanding of speciation is hindered by the long timescale it usually occurs over. The concept of a speciation continuum attempts to address this issue by reconstructing the process from multiple speciation events, but there is disagreement among researchers about its actual implications. The speciation continuum is defined as a continuum of reproductive isolation, providing a foundation for understanding the continuum of reproductive isolation in present-day populations.

EVOLUTION (2021)

Add to Collection

Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology