Speciation Basics
This type of speciation occurs when populations are physically separated by a barrier.
allopatric speciation
This process selects for traits that improve survival and reproduction.
natural selection
This view holds that God created the world in six literal 24-hour days.
Young Earth Creationism
These fruit flies split into new species after preferring different types of fruit.
This belief states that science explains the “how” of creation, and the Bible explains the “why.”
the complementarity view
This is the term for a group of organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring.
a species
Random changes in DNA that introduce new traits.
mutations
This view accepts that the Earth is billions of years old but believes God specially created life forms.
Old Earth Creationism
These squirrels are an example of speciation due to the Grand Canyon separating their populations.
Kaibab and Abert’s squirrels
He was both a devout Christian and the head of the Human Genome Project.
Dr. Francis Collins
This type of speciation happens without a physical barrier, often due to behavioral or genetic differences.
sympatric speciation
This evolutionary force is most powerful in small populations and involves random events.
genetic drift
This view, supported by Dr. Francis Collins, says God used evolution to create life.
Evolutionary Creationism (or Theistic Evolution)
Darwin observed speciation in these birds on the Galápagos Islands.
Finches
This theological term means that God continually sustains and governs creation.
providence
The point at which one species splits into two or more is called this.
speciation event
When individuals move between populations and introduce new genes.
gene flow
The Young Earth Creationists believe the Earth is this old
6000 years
These islands show speciation patterns that helped shape the theory of evolution.
the Galápagos Islands
This type of biblical interpretation allows for poetic or symbolic readings of Genesis.
a figurative or allegorical interpretation
A sudden formation of new species from a small group colonizing a new habitat is called this.
adaptive radiation
Speciation often results from the accumulation of these kinds of genetic differences.
reproductive isolating mechanisms
This organization founded by a geneticist promotes harmony between evolutionary science and Christian faith.
BioLogos
These cichlid fish in African lakes rapidly speciated due to ecological niches.
African Rift Lake cichlids
This framework allows for acceptance of evolution while affirming core Christian doctrines.
evolutionary creationism