sympatric

[ sim-pa-trik, -pey- ]

adjective

, Biology, Ecology.

1. originating in or occupying the same geographical area.

sympatric

/ sɪmˈpætrɪk /

adjective

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

sympatric

/ sĭm-păt′rĭk /

1. 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.
2. ◆ The development of new species as a result of the reproductive isolation of populations that share the same geographic range is called sympatric speciation .
3. Compare allopatric

Derived Forms

• symˈpatrically, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sympatric¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sympatric¹

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

Example Sentences

“This study is one of surprisingly few that compellingly document sympatric speciation caught in the act” in vertebrates, says Martha Muñoz, an evolutionary biologist at Yale University who was not involved with the work.

From Science Magazine

At first glance, sympatric hybridization makes no evolutionary sense, and even poses a threat to species diversity.

From New York Times

The focus on neighboring dinosaurs - or what experts call sympatric species - is a critical part of the test.

From Scientific American

Exactly what this grand, evolving mess means for the distribution and health of hornbill populations, and for sympatric plants and animals, is neither simple nor clear.

From Scientific American

Multiple sympatric species specialize on the same sex flowers of the same fly host-plant species—which suggests extreme niche overlap; however, niche partitioning was exposed by interactions between wasps and flies.

From Science Magazine