What is allopatric speciation in evolution?

What is allopatric speciation in evolution?

Allopatric speciation (1) occurs when a species separates into two separate groups which are isolated from one another. A physical barrier, such as a mountain range or a waterway, makes it impossible for them to breed with one another.

What does the term Allopatric mean?

Allopatry, meaning ‘in another place’, describes a population or species that is physically isolated from other similar groups by an extrinsic barrier to dispersal. From a biogeographic perspective, allopatric species or populations are those that do not have overlapping geographic ranges (Figure 1a).

What are types of allopatric speciation?

Allopatric speciation is typically subdivided into two major models: vicariance and peripatric. Both models differ from one another by virtue of their population sizes and geographic isolating mechanisms.

What is parallel evolution theory?

‘Parallel evolution’ occurs when independent species acquire similar characteristics while evolving together at the same time in the same ecospace. In parallel evolution, the ancestors of their respective lineages were similar with respect to that trait.

What do mean by evolutionary convergence?

Convergent evolution is when different organisms independently evolve similar traits. For example, sharks and dolphins look relatively similar despite being entirely unrelated.

What is vicariance in biology?

Definition of vicariance : fragmentation of the environment (as by splitting of a tectonic plate) in contrast to dispersal as a factor in promoting biological evolution by division of large populations into isolated subpopulations.

What is the main difference between dispersal and vicariance?

What is the difference between a dispersal and a vicariance? Dispersal involves the movement of the organism, whereas vicariance involves a change in the environment. You just studied 65 terms!

What is a good example of an allopatric speciation?

A major example of allopatric speciation occurred in the Galapagos finches that Charles Darwin studied. There are about 15 different species of finches on the Galapagos islands, and they each look different and have specialized beaks for eating different types of foods, such as insects, seeds, and flowers.

What does allopatric speciation require?

Allopatric speciation. Allopatric speciation or geographic speciation is speciation that occurs when biological populations of the same species become vicariant, or isolated from each other to an extent that prevents or interferes with genetic interchange.

How does allopatric speciation differ from sympatric speciation?

So, according to this: The difference between the sympatric speciation and the allopatric speciation is that sympatric speciation involves a behavioral barrier, while allopatric speciation involves a physical barrier.

When does allopatric speciation occur?

Allopatric speciation occurs when two populations of a single species, separated by a physical barrier (eg a channel of water) become isolated both geographically and reproductively to the point that if the barrier breaks down, they are unable to interbreed.

author

Back to Top