Allopatric
- Pronunciation
- /al-uh-PAT-rik/
- Category
- Ecology
- Singular
- Allopatric population
- Plural
- Allopatric populations
Definition
Referring to populations of species or organisms that are geographically separated from one another, leading to genetic divergence and possibly speciation.
Etymology
From Greek 'allos', meaning 'other', and 'patra', meaning 'native land'.
Example
The allopatric populations of beetles on either side of the mountain range developed distinct characteristics over time.
Synonyms
- Geographically isolated
- Separate
Related Terms
- Sympatric
- Speciation
- Geographic isolation
Usage Notes
Allopatric speciation is a common mechanism by which new species arise due to physical separation and environmental differences.