Morph
As Morphe (from ancient Greek μορφή morphs "shape, physical education"), which is phenotype of individuals of a type referred to. If a species shows two or more morphs, i.e. two or more phenotypes, at the same time within a population , one speaks of polymorphism . Species with two morphs are called dimorphic ; this applies, for example, to species with outwardly distinguishable sexes ( sex dimorphism ).
Morphs can also differ in behavior and ecological characteristics. The separation of populations in morphs, especially in isolated stands, can in some cases be regarded as a forerunner of sympatric speciation . However, this only applies to morphs whose expression has a genetic basis (i.e. a genetic polymorphism). Modifications based on environmental influences (more precisely referred to as polyphenism ) are based on hereditary characteristics that can be the same in both morphs, so they do not serve as the basis of genetic divergence.
Examples
As an example, anadromous subpopulations of the Salmo trutta morpha trutta ( sea trout ) are mentioned, which can occur sympatricly with Salmo trutta morpha fario living in the current . These two subpopulations belong to the same species and can crossbreed . Nevertheless, it is innate in both subpopulations whether they behave anadromously or remain in the current. The probability of a natural cross between the two subpopulations is rather low, as they prefer different spawning sites and reproduce at different times.
Another example is the lacustric arctic char ( Salvelinus alpinus ) populations , which have developed into planktivorous (plankton-eating) and piscivorous (fish-eating) morphs in the same lake. The fish-eating feed on all the fish found there in the meta- and epilimnion , including the plankton-eating morph. The plankton-eating, however, feed on zoo plankton of the epilimnion or other invertebrates of the deep water zone (in the area of the water bed). They are smaller, grow more slowly and have fewer offspring.
photos
Garden cepaea ( Cepaea hortensis ), striped morph
Garden cepaea ( Cepaea hortensis ),
pure yellow morph
Light (normal) form of the black moth ( Biston betularia )
Dark form of the black moth ( Biston betularia f. Carbonaria )
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Individual evidence
- ^ Wilhelm Pape , Max Sengebusch (arrangement): Concise dictionary of the Greek language. 3rd edition, 6th impression, Vieweg & Sohn, Braunschweig 1914. 1914, accessed on December 9, 2015 .
