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Biology / Unit 8   Bio 1693 short lesson, about 20 seconds

Allopatric Speciation: Dispersal and Vicariance

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The idea

Allopatric speciation occurs when geographic separation blocks gene flow, so populations diverge independently, whether by dispersal or by vicariance dividing a range.

In practice

A new lake dividing one rodent population, or a seed dispersing to a distant island, both start allopatric speciation by blocking flow.

Where people slip

Dispersal and vicariance both block gene flow, differing only in whether the population moved or the landscape divided.

Your place on the trail

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