Allopatric speciation

Definition

Allopatric speciation occurs when a population of organisms is separated by a physical barrier, such as a mountain range or body of water, leading to the formation of new species over time.

Related terms

Geographic isolation: The physical separation of populations due to geographical barriers.

Reproductive isolation: The inability of individuals from different populations to successfully mate and produce fertile offspring.

Genetic drift: Random changes in gene frequencies within a population due to chance events.