What is sympatric specitation?

Sympatric speciation is a type of speciation that occurs when populations of a species evolve into separate species while inhabiting the same geographic area. This process often involves reproductive isolation due to behavioral differences, ecological niches, or genetic mutations that lead to divergent traits. Unlike allopatric speciation, where populations are separated by physical barriers, sympatric speciation allows for the coexistence of different species in the same environment, driven by factors like resource competition or mate selection.