Pronunciation: al-lo-PAT-rik spe-se-A-shun

Etymology: Allopatric (speciation is defined elsewhere) is derived from two Greek root that mean other (allos, άλλος) and fatherland (patrida, πατρίδα). The reference is to the separation of “fatherlands”.

Allopatric speciation occurs when two or more populations of a species are geographically isolated from one another and no longer able to interbreed. Isolation over time can produce reproductive isolation leading to new species. See also Peripattric Speciation and Sympatric Speciation.

By Jack R. Holt. Last revised: 01/02/2009