Definition
noun
A speciation in which new species evolve in a sub-population that colonized a new habitat or niche within the same geographical area of the ancestral species, and experience genetic drift.
Supplement
Similar to allopatric speciation, peripatric speciation involves populations being geographically separated and prevented from exchanging genes. It differs from the allopatric speciation in a way that the population separating from the main population involves a smaller unit.
An example of this is the London Underground mosquito, a variant of the mosquito Culex pipiens, which entered in the London Undgerground in 19th century. Evidence for its speciation includes genetic divergence, behavioural differences, and difficulty in mating.
Word origin: Greek, from peri, around, near + Greek patrā, fatherland.
Compare: allopatric speciation, parapatric speciation, sympatric speciation.
See also: speciation, genetic isolation.
Dictionary > Peripatric speciation
You will also like...
Genetics and Evolution
Humans are diploid creatures. This means that for every chromosome in the body, there is another one to match it. Howeve..
Cell Biology
The cell is defined as the fundamental, functional unit of life. Some organisms are comprised of only one cell whereas o..
The Human Physiology
Physiology is the study of how living organisms function. Thus, human physiology deals specifically with the physiologic..
Plant Cells vs. Animal Cells
Plant cells have plastids essential in photosynthesis. They also have an additional layer called cell wall on their cell..
Plant Auxins – Phototropism & Geotropism
Plants produce hormones to regulate their growth. Auxins, for instance, influence plant growth. Know the role of auxin i..
Still Water Animals
Animals living in aquatic habitats have diversified and evolved through time. They eventually occupy ecological niches a..