Allopatric Speciation vs. Sympatric Speciation — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 17, 2023
Allopatric Speciation occurs when populations are geographically separated, leading to speciation. Sympatric Speciation happens within a shared geographical area due to factors like niche differentiation.
Difference Between Allopatric Speciation and Sympatric Speciation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Allopatric Speciation refers to the formation of new species when populations of a species are geographically separated and isolated from one another. On the other hand, Sympatric Speciation describes the emergence of new species within the same geographical region without any physical barriers.
The primary driving factor behind Allopatric Speciation is geographical isolation, where the separate populations evolve independently. In contrast, Sympatric Speciation is driven by biological factors, such as genetic mutations or behavioral changes, that lead to reproductive isolation within the same habitat.
In Allopatric Speciation, physical barriers like mountains, rivers, or human activities can separate populations, leading to genetic divergence. Whereas in Sympatric Speciation, the populations remain in contact, but factors like differences in mating preferences or resource use can create reproductive barriers.
Allopatric Speciation often results from the accumulation of genetic differences due to adaptive responses to different environments. Sympatric Speciation, however, usually arises from within-population dynamics, such as competition for resources leading to niche differentiation.
Both Allopatric Speciation and Sympatric Speciation play crucial roles in the evolutionary process. While Allopatric Speciation can explain the diversification of species on different continents or islands, Sympatric Speciation helps understand diversification within continuous habitats without apparent barriers.
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Comparison Chart
Geographic Separation
Requires geographic separation.
Occurs without geographic separation.
Primary Driving Factor
Geographical isolation.
Biological factors like genetic mutations.
Result of
Adaptive responses to different environments.
Within-population dynamics and competition.
Reproductive Isolation
Due to physical barriers.
Due to biological factors within the same habitat.
Example Causes
Mountains, rivers, vast distances.
Niche differentiation, mating preferences.
Compare with Definitions
Allopatric Speciation
Genetic differentiation stemming from geographic isolation.
Two insect populations on opposite sides of a desert might undergo Allopatric Speciation.
Sympatric Speciation
Evolutionary divergence without geographic barriers.
In a lake, if one fish type starts preferring different diets, it might undergo Sympatric Speciation.
Allopatric Speciation
Formation of new species due to physical separation.
Allopatric Speciation can be observed when a mountain range divides a once-unified population.
Sympatric Speciation
New species emergence without physical separation.
Sympatric Speciation was observed in a plant that suddenly produced flowers at different times of the year.
Allopatric Speciation
Speciation resulting from geographical isolation.
The finches on different Galápagos Islands underwent Allopatric Speciation due to being separated by water.
Sympatric Speciation
Speciation driven by biological factors in a shared environment.
A sudden mutation causing a unique feeding habit can lead to Sympatric Speciation.
Allopatric Speciation
Evolutionary divergence caused by geographic barriers.
Allopatric Speciation is evident when a river forms and splits a species into two separate populations.
Sympatric Speciation
Genetic differentiation within a shared habitat.
Sympatric Speciation might arise in birds with differing song patterns within the same forest.
Allopatric Speciation
Speciation process based on external environmental separation.
Human activities, like building highways, can unintentionally lead to Allopatric Speciation in certain species.
Sympatric Speciation
Speciation within the same geographical location.
Sympatric Speciation can occur if two insect groups within a forest evolve different mating calls.
Common Curiosities
How does Sympatric Speciation differ?
Sympatric Speciation happens without geographic separation, usually due to reproductive barriers or niche differentiation within the same environment.
Can two populations in Sympatric Speciation live in the same place?
Yes, they occupy the same geographic area but often exploit different niches or have reproductive barriers.
How does gene flow relate to Allopatric Speciation?
In Allopatric Speciation, gene flow is restricted due to geographic barriers, leading to divergence.
Are island species a result of Allopatric Speciation?
Often, yes. Islands create natural barriers, leading to isolated populations and Allopatric Speciation.
What is Allopatric Speciation?
Allopatric Speciation occurs when populations are separated geographically, preventing gene flow and leading to distinct species.
What's a common cause of Allopatric Speciation?
Geographic barriers like mountains, rivers, or vast distances often lead to Allopatric Speciation.
Does Allopatric Speciation always result in completely distinct species?
Over time, yes. Geographic isolation limits gene flow, causing evolutionary divergence.
What role do environmental changes play in Allopatric Speciation?
Environmental changes can introduce new geographic barriers, accelerating Allopatric Speciation.
Can Sympatric Speciation occur due to dietary differences?
Yes, different dietary preferences can lead to reproductive isolation, promoting Sympatric Speciation.
What's a known mechanism for Sympatric Speciation?
Polyploidy, especially in plants, where changes in chromosome number prevent interbreeding.
Is Allopatric Speciation more common than Sympatric Speciation?
Historically, Allopatric Speciation has been considered more common, but evidence for Sympatric Speciation is increasing.
Is habitat differentiation an example of Sympatric Speciation?
Yes, when populations within the same habitat exploit different resources, it can lead to Sympatric Speciation.
Can human activities cause Sympatric Speciation?
Potentially, if human activities create new niches or selective pressures within a single habitat.
Can behavioral differences lead to Sympatric Speciation?
Yes, if behavioral differences, like mating calls, lead to reproductive isolation, Sympatric Speciation can occur.
How do reproductive barriers relate to Sympatric Speciation?
Reproductive barriers, either behavioral, temporal, or genetic, can lead to Sympatric Speciation by preventing interbreeding within the same habitat.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
