Organism
Walking Stick Insects
TL;DR
Walking stick insects on different host plants (oak vs.
Walking stick insects on different host plants (oak vs. maple) demonstrate parapatric speciation - divergence with limited gene flow. Despite some gene flow between populations, speciation can occur because selection against hybrids (who are maladapted to both host plants) exceeds the homogenizing effect of migration. This requires s > m (selection coefficient exceeding migration rate).
Notable Traits of Walking Stick Insects
- Parapatric speciation example
- Host plant specialization
- Selection against hybrids