Divergent evolution

Accumulation of genetic differences

Divergent evolution or divergent selection is the accumulation of differences between closely related populations within a species, sometimes leading to speciation. It can occur when two populations become separated by some barrier (such as physical separation in allopatric or peripatric speciation) and become subject to differing selective pressures and potentially genetic drift. If sufficient evolutionary distance accumulates, the derived populations may become reproductively incompatible through various types of physiological or behavioral barriers.

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