Cryptic speciation
- Pronunciation
- /KRIP-tik spee-shee-AY-shun/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Cryptic speciation
- Plural
- Cryptic speciations
Definition
The process by which two or more species diverge and evolve into distinct species without significant morphological differences, often undetected until genetic analysis is used.
Etymology
From Greek 'kryptikos,' meaning 'hidden,' and Latin 'speciatio,' meaning 'the process of becoming a species.'
Example
Cryptic speciation was discovered in the Anopheles gambiae complex, where genetically distinct species were identified despite their similar appearances.
Synonyms
- Cryptic diversity
- Sibling species
Related Terms
- Speciation
- Genetic divergence
- Morphological stasis
- Phylogenetics
Usage Notes
Cryptic speciation highlights the importance of genetic studies in taxonomy, as morphological characteristics alone may not reveal the presence of distinct species.