Which type of speciation occurs without geographical separation?

Sympatric speciation occurs when new species evolve from a single ancestral species while inhabiting the same geographic region. This type of speciation can happen through mechanisms such as polyploidy, sexual selection, or habitat differentiation, creating reproductive barriers even without physical separation.

For instance, in plant species, polyploidy can lead to instant speciation as a result of errors in cell division, resulting in individuals that cannot successfully reproduce with the original diploid population. Similarly, in animal species, if certain individuals preferentially mate with specific traits, over time, this can lead to divergence in the population that ultimately results in new species, all occurring within a shared habitat.

Understanding sympatric speciation emphasizes the significance of ecological factors and behavioral changes in the process of evolution, highlighting that physical barriers are not always necessary for speciation to occur.