Allopatric Speciation
In allopatric speciation, the gene flow between a population is disrupted due to a geographical barrier or because of distance between the populations. This causes populations to evolve separately and as a result.
A way to remember allopatric spciation is the Greek word allos for other and patria for homeland. Thus, when allopatric speciation has occurred, the two populations have different homelands.
A way to remember allopatric spciation is the Greek word allos for other and patria for homeland. Thus, when allopatric speciation has occurred, the two populations have different homelands.
Note that a geographic barrier can only lead to allopatric speciation if the organisms cannot cross it regularly. Thus, the ability of the organisms to move about largely determines the possibility of allopatric speciation. For example, squirrels separated by a large river cannot interact with the other species on the opposite side. But birds can simply fly over the wide river and continue interacting with their counterparts.
Allopatric speciation can be either from man-made causes (building new roads) or from natural causes (the emergence of a mountain range). Nonetheless, when a particularly small subpopulation is created, that population experiences allopatric speciation at a more frequent rate.
Allopatric speciation can be either from man-made causes (building new roads) or from natural causes (the emergence of a mountain range). Nonetheless, when a particularly small subpopulation is created, that population experiences allopatric speciation at a more frequent rate.