speciate

/ ˈspiːsɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to form or develop into a new biological species

Word History and Origins

Origin of speciate¹

C20: back formation from speciation

Example Sentences

Lizards and amphibians have long been known to speciate on smaller islands, but large mammals and birds typically need more space.

From Science Magazine

It could allow them to quickly conquer new niches and it may even be a major method by which lichens speciate.

From Scientific American

The cichlids share their lakes with other families of fishes, but only cichlids have managed to speciate so extensively and so fast.

From Scientific American

Clearly, there are powerful forces that drive life-forms to differentiate, to speciate.

From New York Times

Like life, rocks on Earth evolve and “speciate.”

From Scientific American