Megan McCoy

Speciation can be defined as how a new kind of plant or animal species is created. It occurs when a group within a species separates from other members of its species and develops its own new unique characteristics. This is something that can result over time through many generations due to mutations. It would take many mutations in order to differentiate the new group of species from the others. This would gradually happen over a long period of time and a ton of generations. Depending on the organisms environment and habitats, speciation could vary. With some species it could take less time to develop, while in other habitats it could take much longer. This could also be due to mutation rate. Some species mutation rates and greater than others. This means that speciation could occur at a quicker pace. If the organisms mutation rate it slower, this mean it will take much longer for speciation to occur. 

 The mating between pipefish is something unusual that we don't commonly see with other species. In fact, it is the opposite of what we see with other organisms. We see the female as bright and full of color and the male being dull. In this case I think the females are full of color to impress the males and to ultimately mate with them. The reason for this pertains to the fitness of the offspring they are producing. I found that the male actually caries the offspring rather than the female. I assume that since the females are unable to carry their offspring, they must attract the males by their vibrant colors. I can infer that these color changes are due the females competing for mates.