How are new species formed?

Speciation is pretty much evolution in action, two species emerge from a single one. Because they share gene pools they have similar genes.


This pretty much works from the fact that new species can only form from pre-existing species. The idea is that a group of organisms from the space species can become separated geographically so they can't reproduce, this is called geographical isolation. When the two groups are completely separated, the two areas can have different environments. Like in every habitat there are some individuals which are better adapted to compete. These are more likely to survive and reproduce, this means the alleles (genes they have) are more likely to be passed onto their offspring. This means that over many generations the allele frequency increases so the individuals are better adapted to live in that environment. Eventually, the alleles present in one group 'evolve' and can become completely different to how they were initially. Because they might be completely different they won't be able to interbreed to produce fertile offspring, so they're now no longer the same species. 


Definitions


Species: A group of organisms which can interbreed to produce fertile offspring, they also share a gene pool.

Mission to Mars has begun!

Okay, no one has actually jetted off yet NASA has begun the process to decide if humans, could, actually live on Mars. To answer, what seems like an impossible question NASA have isolated 6 astronauts near a volcano in Hawaii, mimicking what the conditions would be like on Mars. They have to live close to their living HQ with no fresh air or food and virtually no privacy. When they go outside, they have to wear a space suit, they also will be living off food similar to powdered cheese and canned tuna! The question is, could you spend a year in isolation?