Sympatric Speciation
Sympatric speciation is when speciation occurs in a population that is not geographically separated. This can occur because of habitat differentiation, sexual selection, or even an accident during cell division also called polyploidy (this latter concept is explained in its own tab when you hover over the sympatric speciation tab).
Habitat differentiation is when a new resource or habitat is exploited by a portion of the population. Environmental pressures such as a limited space or food allows for this portion of the population to be selected for to the point that speciation in the same geographic area occurs. Sexual selection, as explained under the Darwinism tab, is when mates are chosen based on preferred behaviors or phenotypes. This selection can also lead to speciation within the same population. |