Allopatric speciation – also referred to as geographic speciation, vicariant speciation, or its earlier name the dumbbell model – is a mode of speciation that occurs when biological populations become geographically isolated from each other to an extent that prevents or interferes with gene flow.

What is an example of Allopatric?

A major example of allopatric speciation occurred in the Galapagos finches that Charles Darwin studied. There are about 15 different species of finches on the Galapagos islands, and they each look different and have specialized beaks for eating different types of foods, such as insects, seeds, and flowers.

What is meant by Allopatric species?

Allopatric is a Greek word. ... In simple words, it refers to the speciation that occurred between two populations of the same species that had become isolated from each other due to geographical barriers. Speciation is a gradual process by which populations evolve into new species.