Cichlid speciation
Lake Malawi has undergone massive geological changes during its existence. The water level is now 400 metres (2,300 feet) higher than that of 25,000 years ago.
Some fish do not like sand
As the lake has changed, new habitats for fish have formed, and some old ones have disappeared. This has isolated some populations from others and contributed to speciation: groups being split into new species and evolving in different directions.
Many of the species are adapted to rocky habitats and are unwilling to cross sandy bottoms, which also keeps them separated from each other and boosts speciation.
The speciation process in Lake Malawi is still going on. If we succeed in saving the lake from the threats such as over-fishing, the future will see the miracle of even more species being created and living their diverse lives in the lake.
Some fish do not like sand
As the lake has changed, new habitats for fish have formed, and some old ones have disappeared. This has isolated some populations from others and contributed to speciation: groups being split into new species and evolving in different directions.
Many of the species are adapted to rocky habitats and are unwilling to cross sandy bottoms, which also keeps them separated from each other and boosts speciation.
The speciation process in Lake Malawi is still going on. If we succeed in saving the lake from the threats such as over-fishing, the future will see the miracle of even more species being created and living their diverse lives in the lake.
