Ring Species, a lively proof of Evolution

Friday, September 20, 2013

"Ring Species" might be one of the best example of how new species are originated and diversified ... For instance, in northern California only one type of salamander are found... Going towards south, the population is geographically split by the San Joaquin Valley in central California, forming two different groups. One group that evolved near the coast became brighter and the other group generates cryptic coloration/ camouflages. These two group can still interbreed , although the hybrid offspring can not survive for long. However, the diversification continues towards south and at southern California where the valley ends, these two group meet again. At this point, one group develop superb bright coloration and other group generate excellent camouflages... Interestingly, these two groups can no longer interbreed... Clearly, a single form of salamander at north became so diversified in their journey towards south that finally two non-interbreeding species evolved ...!

Click Here, for an illustration

 
 
 
 
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