1. the occurrence of two or more species in the same geographic area
Usage: biology

Examples

• The two bird species exist in sympatry throughout most of their range.
• Researchers studied how sympatry affects competition between the closely related insects.
• Sympatry can lead to reproductive isolation through behavioral differences.
• The frogs demonstrate sympatry in the wetlands of the Pacific Northwest.
• Scientists debate whether speciation can occur in sympatry or requires geographic separation.