Question

Sympatric species are species, which previously diverged from a common ancestor, and now exist in the same area but remain reproductively isolated. However, note that sympatric species may have evolved through allopatric or sympatric speciation. What does the term 'sympatric' mean in this context?

1) Together
2) Reproductively isolated
3) Evolved from a common ancestor
4) Cannot be determined

Answer 1

In the context of sympatric species, the term 'sympatric' refers to species that previously diverged from a common ancestor and now exist in the same area but remain reproductively isolated. It can include species that evolved through allopatric or sympatric speciation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term 'sympatric' in the context of sympatric species refers to species that previously diverged from a common ancestor and now exist in the same area without any physical barriers separating them. It means that these species remain in the same location but are reproductively isolated from each other. Sympatric species can evolve through allopatric or sympatric speciation, making it a broad term that encompasses both scenarios.