Speciation Continuum

Understanding the origin of species is no easy task. Academic studies of speciation usually take place over a few years, while the process itself usually occurs over evolutionary timescales. How, then, can we possibly hope to understand speciation from start to finish? The idea of a “speciation continuum” has been presented as something of a solution to this problem. Because we are surrounded by many examples of speciation—each providing a snapshot at some point during the transition from populations to species—we can use them to understand the process as a whole. This article will (1) highlight some key references that laid the foundations for continuum thinking in speciation research, (2) explore the origins and definitions of the term “speciation continuum” and (3) highlight some outstanding empirical studies rooted in the speciation continuum.