Skip to content
    Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) A-Level

    Allopatric speciation

    What Allopatric speciation means in Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) A-Level, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.

    Definition of Allopatric speciation

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Allopatric speciation in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: Pearson Edexcel

    Speciation that requires a physical barrier, such as a river or mountain range, separating populations, after which independent mutation, selection and genetic drift cause divergence.
    Pearson Edexcel · Topic 5: On the Wild Side

    Topics that use Allopatric speciation

    Related terms

    Using Allopatric speciation in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) A-Level terms