What is the difference between allopatric and sympatric speciation?

Allopatric speciation occurs when a population is geographically isolated, leading to the development of new species due to evolutionary pressures in different environments. In contrast, sympatric speciation happens when new species arise within the same geographic area, often due to factors like behavioral changes, polyploidy in plants, or niche differentiation. While allopatric speciation relies on physical barriers, sympatric speciation can occur without such barriers, emphasizing reproductive isolation mechanisms.