Transcript Ecotypes and Species

• 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)
• 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)
• 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
• 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)
• 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.
• 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:
• 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)
• 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)