How does the concept of continental drift relate to evolutionary biology?

The concept of continental drift is crucial to understanding evolutionary biology, as it highlights the ways in which the movement of Earth's tectonic plates can influence the distribution of species. Continental drift leads to the fragmentation of landmasses, which creates physical barriers that separate populations of organisms. This isolation is significant because when populations of the same species become separated, they may experience different environmental pressures and adapt to their unique conditions over time. This process of adaptation can result in the emergence of new species, a phenomenon known as speciation.

For instance, when continents drift apart, species that were once part of the same population may end up in entirely different ecosystems. The different selective pressures in these isolated environments can shape distinct evolutionary paths, ultimately leading to the diversification of life that we observe today. Thus, the promotion of isolation and potential speciation is a key outcome of continental drift that has profound implications in evolutionary biology.