Speciation driven by natural selection in Drosophila.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Reinforcement is the process by which natural selection strengthens sexual isolation between incipient species, reducing the frequency of maladaptive hybridization and hence completing reproductive isolation. Although this model of speciation was once widely accepted, its plausibility and experimental support have been recently attacked. Here we provide an example of speciation by reinforcement, in the North American fruitfly Drosophila pseudoobscura. The results suggest that females of D. pseudoobscura evolved increased sexual isolation from their sibling species, D. persimilis, by natural selection against maladaptive hybridization.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Noor, MA

Published Date

  • June 1995

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 375 / 6533

Start / End Page

  • 674 - 675

PubMed ID

  • 7791899

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1476-4687

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0028-0836

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1038/375674a0

Language

  • eng