Reproductive Isolating Mechanisms

Reproductive isolation is the cornerstone of the biological species concept. Speciation is the attainment of reproductive isolation. Reproductive isolation arises as a by-product of genetic change.

Genetic Divergence is the gradual accumulation of differences in the gene pools of populations. Natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation can contribute to divergence. Gene flow counters divergence.

Isolating mechanisms reinforce genetic divergence by discouraging gene flow. The two main types of isolating mechanisms are called prezygotic and postzygotic.

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