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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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


sympatric

/ sĭm-pătrĭk /

  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


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Derived Forms

  • symˈpatrically, adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of sympatric1

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

Origin of sympatric1

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

How does sympatric compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

Consequently, in some areas it is sympatric with S. cyanosticta and phaeota.

Trionyx ferox in the northern part of its range is sympatric with T. spinifer asper.

Interfertility between two sympatric fishes, Notropis lutrensis and Notropis venustus.

Southern pygmy mice at high altitudes average larger than those from low elevations, except where the two species are sympatric.

Syrrhophus cystignathoides and leprus are apparently sympatric in central Veracruz.

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sympathy strikesympetalous