Expert: David Haas - 11/4/2006

Question
David - are any non-microscopic creatures known to have broken through the 'species barrier' in recent time. If so, what might be the youngest, newest, species known to science, one that did not previously exist. How long is it since this most recent species came into being?
Thanks
Tony  

Answer
I do not know of any specific populations that could be called a "new" species.  The species concept is not as simple as one might imagine and there is more than one definition for the term.  I like to think that species do not exist.  Only the human need to categorize and put things in boxes exists so they define living things that way.  

The only way a species could "pop" into existence would be for some mutation or accident to cause a problem with the genetic system so that an individual could not breed back to its original population.  This can happen with plants more often that other organisms.  If the plant can form fertile offspring with itself then you can get a distinct population which could be called a species.  Look up polyploid and see  what you find. Sorry I could not be of more help.