sympatric

[ sim-pa-trik, -pey- ]
/ sɪmˈpæ trɪk, -ˈpeɪ- /

adjective Biology, Ecology.

originating in or occupying the same geographical area.

Origin of sympatric

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

Words nearby sympatric

sympatholytic, sympathomimetic, sympathomimetic amine, sympathy, sympathy strike, sympatric, sympetalous, symphalangism, symphile, symphonette, symphonia

Example sentences from the Web for sympatric

British Dictionary definitions for sympatric

sympatric
/ (sɪmˈpætrɪk) /

adjective

(of biological speciation or species) taking place or existing in the same or overlapping geographical areas Compare allopatric

Derived forms of sympatric

sympatrically, adverb

Word Origin for sympatric

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

Scientific definitions for sympatric

sympatric
[ sĭm-păt′rĭk ]

Ecology

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.♦ The development of new species as a result of the reproductive isolation of populations that share the same geographic range is called sympatric speciation. Compare allopatric.