Speciation by symbiosis

Robert M. Brucker, Seth R. Bordenstein

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

285 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the Origin of Species, Darwin struggled with how continuous changes within a species lead to the emergence of discrete species. Molecular analyses have since identified nuclear genes and organelles that underpin speciation. In this review, we explore the microbiota as a third genetic component that spurs species formation. We first recall Ivan Wallin's original conception from the early 20th century on the role that bacteria play in speciation. We then describe three fundamental observations that justify a prominent role for microbes in eukaryotic speciation, consolidate exemplar studies of microbe-assisted speciation and incorporate the microbiota into classic models of speciation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)443-451
Number of pages9
JournalTrends in Ecology and Evolution
Volume27
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2012

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

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