A multivariate view of the speciation continuum

• DOI: 10.1093/evolut/qpac004
• Publication Date: 2023-03-17T16:43:29Z
• Authors: Daniel I Bolnick; Amanda K Hund; Patrik Nosil; Foen Peng; Mark Ravinet; Sean Stankowski; Swapna Subramanian; Jochen B W Wolf; Roman Yukilevich
• Keywords: Genetic algorithm; Ecological speciation; Incipient speciation; Reproductive isolation

The concept of a "speciation continuum" has gained popularity in recent decades. It emphasizes speciation as continuous process that may be studied by comparing contemporary population pairs show differing levels divergence. In their perspective article Evolution, Stankowski and Ravinet provided valuable service formally defining the continuum reproductive isolation, based on opinions gathered from survey researchers. While we agree been useful to advance understanding process, some intrinsic limitations exist. Here, advocate for multivariate extension, hypercube, first proposed Dieckmann et al. 2004, but rarely used since. We extend idea cube suggest it strong conceptual practical advantages over one-dimensional model. illustrate how hypercube can visualize compare different trajectories, providing new insights into processes mechanisms speciation. A key strength is provides unifying framework research, allows questions apparently disparate subfields addressed single