There has been a long standing debate in evolution of the possibility of sympatric speciation, that is, speciation between two coterminous populations. Well, here is evidence from some fish of it happening, at least in the first stages, so that genetic differentiation is minimal to non-existent. I don't know how common sympatry is, but I've been to other talks pointing to similar phenomena in other taxa, so I think there has been a detection bias toward allopatry. But anyway, species concepts are a bugger. The main point is that population differentiation need not always be preconditioned on geographic separation.
Electric sympatry
Discover how sympatric speciation occurs among coterminous populations, challenging traditional views on population differentiation.
More on Discover
Stay Curious
SubscribeTo The Magazine
Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.
Subscribe