sympatric

[ sim-pa-trik, -pey- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

, Biology, Ecology.

sympatric

/ sɪmˈpætrɪk /

See allopatric
(of biological speciation or species) taking place or existing in the same or overlapping geographical areas Compare allopatric

sympatric

/ sĭm-păt′rĭk /

Occupying the same or overlapping geographic areas without interbreeding. Although they share the same geographic range, sympatric populations of related organisms become isolated from each other reproductively. This can happen by the development of subpopulations that become dependent on distinct food sources or that evolve distinct seasonal mating behavior. Flowering plants frequently become reproductively isolated through the development of polyploid hybrids (hybrids with three or more sets of chromosomes) that cannot backcross with either parent.
◆ The development of new species as a result of the reproductive isolation of populations that share the same geographic range is called sympatric speciation .
Compare allopatric

1900–05; sym- + Greek pátr ( ā ) fatherland ( patr-, stem of patḗr father + -ā feminine noun suffix) + -ic

C20: from syn- + -patric, from Greek patra native land, from patēr father

Consequently, in some areas it is sympatric with S. cyanosticta and phaeota.

Trionyx ferox in the northern part of its range is sympatric with T. spinifer asper.

Interfertility between two sympatric fishes, Notropis lutrensis and Notropis venustus.

Southern pygmy mice at high altitudes average larger than those from low elevations, except where the two species are sympatric.

Syrrhophus cystignathoides and leprus are apparently sympatric in central Veracruz.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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