What is the Difference Between Allopatric and Sympatric Speciation?

The main difference between allopatric and sympatric speciation lies in the geographical separation of the populations involved in the speciation process. Here are the key differences between the two types of speciation:

• Allopatric Speciation:
• Involves geographical separation of populations due to extrinsic barriers, such as mountains, rivers, or other natural forces.
• Groups from an ancestral population evolve into separate species after a period of geographical isolation.
• Reproductive isolation and divergence occur due to the geographical barrier.
• Examples include Darwin's finches and squirrels in the Grand Canyon.
• Sympatric Speciation:
• Occurs within a population without any geographical separation.
• Groups from the same ancestral population evolve into separate species while living in the same habitat.
• Reproductive isolation and divergence happen without geographical barriers, for example, through polyploidy or changes in feeding patterns.
• Examples include wheat, cultivated corn, and tobacco.

In summary, allopatric speciation involves geographical isolation of populations, while sympatric speciation occurs within a population without any geographical separation. Both processes lead to the formation of new species, but they follow different mechanisms.

Comparative Table: Allopatric vs Sympatric Speciation

Here is a table comparing allopatric and sympatric speciation:

Allopatric speciation occurs when a population becomes geographically isolated from other populations of the parental species, leading to the evolution of new species. In contrast, sympatric speciation takes place within a single ancestral species living in the same habitat. The mechanisms of differentiation in allopatric speciation involve natural selection, while sympatric speciation involves polyploidy or changes in feeding patterns. Allopatric speciation is more common in nature, but sympatric speciation is also observed, especially in plants.