speciation

noun

spe·​ci·​a·​tion ˌspē-shē-ˈā-shən 

-sē-

: the process of biological species formation

speciate

ˈspē-shē-ˌāt 

-sē-

intransitive verb

speciational

ˌspē-shē-ˈā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-sē-

adjective

Examples of speciation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, scientists have identified a key connection between ecology and speciation using one of their signature traits–songs. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Oct. 2024

Since Darwin’s finches use songs to attract mates, the song changes related to beak evolution could be a catalyst behind ecological speciation. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Oct. 2024

However, speciation is a historical process that takes place over a long period of time. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Oct. 2024

Hybrid speciation, in which a new species originates from a cross-species pairing, has been documented in butterflies, fish, toads and dolphins. —Rebecca Heisman, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

speciation

noun

spe·​ci·​a·​tion ˌspē-shē-ˈā-shən 

-sē-

: the formation of a new species (as that occurring as a result of isolation in a geographic area)