Wallace's effect

Wallace's effect refers to the phenomenon where populations separated geographically can develop distinct characteristics, such as different species or subspecies, due to limited gene flow and environmental differences. Essentially, when groups of the same species become isolated—like on different islands or in separate valleys—they evolve independently over time, leading to unique traits that help them adapt to their specific surroundings. This process contributes to the diversity of life and helps explain how new species arise through natural selection and genetic divergence driven by geographic separation.