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(of biological
species or
speciation) Describing
formation of two (or more) different species or
populations
that inhabit the same or overlapping geographical area so that
the opportunity to
interbreed is presented.
Sympatry is one of three theoretical models for the
phenomenon of speciation.
In complete contrast to
allopatry,
species undergoing sympatric speciation are not geographically
isolated by a natural
barrier,
for example, a mountain or a river. The speciating populations
share the same territory.
(compare:
Allopatric,
Parapatric)
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