noun
- the evolutionary splitting of a single species into two or more distinct species
Usage: biology; evolutionary biology
Examples
- Cladogenesis occurs when populations become geographically isolated and evolve separately.
- The study examined cladogenesis in island bird populations over millions of years.
- Rapid cladogenesis can result from environmental changes that create new ecological niches.
- Scientists use DNA analysis to trace patterns of cladogenesis in ancient lineages.
- The Galápagos finches are a classic example of cladogenesis through adaptive radiation.
- Cladogenesis differs from anagenesis in that it produces multiple descendant species.