Speciate (Verb)
Meaning
Evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment.
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- The finches on the island are likely to speciate and develop beak shapes that are different from those found on the mainland.
- Over time, the isolated population of animals may speciate and become distinct from other members of the same genus.
- The different insect populations in various caves will likely speciate as they adapt to the unique environments.
- Scientists believe that the species speciated as a result of geological changes that isolated groups of the original population.
- Species may speciate in response to environmental pressures such as availability of food or predation risks.