Genetic speciation is defined by the evolution of reproductive isolation between populations

V. E. Adashev, A. A. Kotov, S. S. Bazylev, A. S. Shatskikh, A. Aravin, L. V. Olenina. Stellate Genes and the piRNA Pathway in Speciation and Reproductive Isolation of Drosophila melanogaster. 2021. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2020.610665

Examines how genetic systems and the piRNA pathway contribute to reproductive isolation and speciation in Drosophila.

Rachel M. Binks, Dorothy A. Steane, Margaret Byrne. Genomic divergence in sympatry indicates strong reproductive barriers and cryptic species within <i>Eucalyptus salubris</i>. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7403

Demonstrates that genomic divergence and reproductive isolation maintain discrete species boundaries in eucalyptus.

Ningning Wu, Elizabeth Evans, Bas van Schooten, Jesyka Meléndez-Rosa, Y. Ortiz, Silvia M. Planas Soto-Navarro, Steven M. Van Belleghem, B. Counterman, R. Papa, Wei Zhang. Widespread Gene Expression Divergence in Butterfly Sensory Tissues Plays a Fundamental Role During Reproductive Isolation and Speciation. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msac225

Shows that gene expression divergence in sensory tissues plays a fundamental role in establishing reproductive isolation during speciation.

Chaolong Wang, Xiaowen Yu, Jian Wang, Zhigang Zhao, Jianmin Wan. Genetic and molecular mechanisms of reproductive isolation in the utilization of heterosis for breeding hybrid rice.. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgg.2024.01.007

Discusses the genetic models of reproductive isolation and their role in inter-subspecific and inter-specific speciation in rice.

Inna Osmolovsky, Mariana Shifrin, Inbal Gamliel, J. Belmaker, Y. Sapir. Eco-Geography and Phenology Are the Major Drivers of Reproductive Isolation in the Royal Irises, a Species Complex in the Course of Speciation. 2022. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233306

Quantifies pre- and post-zygotic reproductive barriers to understand speciation and divergence in a species complex.

Wen Lan, Fang-Yuan Wang, S. Barrett, Wen‐Ting Wang, Yue Ma, Yang Yang, Nan Li, Jun-Chen Deng, W. Bai. Mechanisms of reproductive isolation between annual and perennial plants of Incarvillea sinensis. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1111/jse.12997

Investigates reproductive isolating barriers between closely related plant populations to understand speciation mechanisms.

D. Lu, David Peris, J. Sønstebø, Timothy Y. James, Loren H. Rieseberg, Sundy Maurice, H. Kauserud, M. Ravinet, I. Skrede. Reticulate evolution and rapid development of reproductive barriers upon secondary contact in a forest fungus.. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.08.046

Analyzes how reproductive barriers develop between diverging genetic groups during speciation.

I. Satokangas, S. Martin, B. Seifert, T. Puukko, H. Helanterä, J. Kulmuni. Introgression and divergence in a young species group. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.12.23.630027

Explores how the evolution of reproductive isolation shapes groups of closely related species during early speciation.

B. Singh. Reproductive Isolating Mechanisms and Speciation. 2022. https://doi.org/10.37398/jsr.2022.660119

Defines speciation as fundamentally linked to the origin and development of reproductive isolating mechanisms.

Leeban H. Yusuf, Shangzhe Zhang, Vivienne Litzke, Stefan R. Pulver, Therésa M. Jones, Nathan W. Bailey. Cis-regulatory divergence and mate recognition in behaviourally isolated cricket species. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.05.19.654830

Connects cis-regulatory divergence in mate recognition to behavioral isolation and accelerated speciation.

Marta Martinez Wells Charles S Henry. Songs, Reproductive Isolation, and Speciation in Cryptic Species of Insects: A Case Study Using Green Lacewings. 1998. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780195109009.003.0016

Acknowledges that reproductive isolation and the absence of gene flow define species boundaries.