Any time there's a barrier... physical, geographical (distance), or behavioral... between the two that means they no longer reproduce with each other but only within their own group.
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Populations can become reproductively isolated through mechanisms such as geographic isolation (resulting in allopatric speciation), behavioral differences (resulting in prezygotic isolation), or genetic changes that lead to incompatibility between individuals (resulting in postzygotic isolation). These barriers prevent gene flow between populations, leading to their divergence and ultimately speciation.
Speciation
Geographic isolation, where physical barriers prevent gene flow between populations, can cause reproductive isolation. This can lead to genetic differences accumulating over time, ultimately resulting in the development of separate species.
If two populations of a species become isolated, it means that they are separated from each other and cannot interbreed. Over time, this isolation can lead to genetic differences between the populations, potentially resulting in the development of new species through the process of evolution.
Sympatric Speciation
Over time, the populations may become genetically distinct from one another due to accumulation of different mutations. This can lead to the evolution of new species if the genetic differences become significant enough to prevent successful reproduction between individuals from the two populations.