What term describes the process in which a population becomes divided into two or more groups that evolve independently?

The process in which a population becomes divided into two or more groups that evolve independently is known as speciation. This phenomenon occurs when barriers—either geographical, ecological, or behavioral—prevent groups within a species from interbreeding. Over time, these isolated groups accumulate genetic differences due to mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift, ultimately leading to the emergence of distinct species.

In speciation, the evolutionary paths of the divided groups diverge due to their respective adaptations to different environments or selective pressures. This independent evolution can result in significant morphological, behavioral, and genetic differences. Examples of speciation include adaptive radiations, where a single ancestral species gives rise to multiple new species adapted to various environmental niches.

Isolation refers to the initial process of separating the groups but does not encompass the evolutionary changes that follow. Migration involves the movement of individuals between populations but does not inherently lead to independent evolutionary paths. Adaptation describes the process by which species develop traits that enhance survival and reproduction but is not specifically linked to the division and emergence of new species. Therefore, the term that most accurately describes the process of a population evolving into two or more groups independently is speciation.