What is the Difference Between Allopatric and Peripatric Speciation?

Allopatric and peripatric speciation are two modes of speciation that involve physical barriers and geographic isolation. The main differences between them are:

Population size: In allopatric speciation, the isolated populations are larger, while in peripatric speciation, one group is much smaller than the other.
Level of isolation: Allopatric speciation occurs when populations are completely separated, making it impossible for them to interbreed. In peripatric speciation, there is still some gene flow between the isolated population and the main population, but it is significantly reduced.

In summary, allopatric speciation is characterized by complete geographical isolation of populations, leading to the development of new species, while peripatric speciation involves a smaller isolated population at the edge of a larger population, with some gene flow still occurring between them.

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What is the Difference Between Allopatric and Peripatric Speciation?

Comparative Table: Allopatric vs Peripatric Speciation

The main differences between allopatric and peripatric speciation are summarized in the table below:

Feature	Allopatric Speciation	Peripatric Speciation
Interbreeding	Populations do not interbreed with each other	Populations are allowed to interbreed with each other
Isolation	Populations are separated by geographical barriers	Populations are separated by other means, such as founder effect
Group Size	The group in allopatric speciation is larger than in peripatric speciation	The group in peripatric speciation is smaller than in allopatric speciation
Dependence	Allopatric speciation occurs between biological populations and is dependent on geographical barriers	Peripatric speciation does not depend on geographical isolation

Allopatric speciation occurs when populations become isolated, usually due to geographical barriers, and develop reproductive isolation from other populations. On the other hand, peripatric speciation is a mode of speciation in which new species are formed from an isolated small group of individuals within the species.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.