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Peripatric speciation (1 of 5) Image caption: Only a few fruit fly larvae survived the journey from the mainland to colonize the island. << Back to search results

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Peripatric speciation (2 of 5) These few survivors just by chance carry some genes that are rare in the mainland population. One of these rare genes happens to cause a slight variation in the mating dance. Another causes a slight difference in the shape of male genitalia. This is an example of the founder effect.

Peripatric speciation (3 of 5) These small differences, which are rare on the mainland, drift to fixation in the small population on the island over the course of a few generations (i.e., the entire island population ends up having these genes).

Peripatric speciation (4 of 5) As the island population grows, the unique reproductive features on the island result in a cascade of changes caused by sexual selection. These changes optimize, or at least improve, the fit of male and female genitalia to one another and female sensitivity to nuances of the mating ritual. Flies also experience natural selection that favors individuals better suited to the climate and food of the island.

Peripatric speciation (5 of 5) After some generations, the island flies become reproductively isolated from the mainland flies. Peripatric speciation has occurred.