Which evolutionary force keeps populations from developing into separate species?​

A) ​founder effects
B) ​mutation
C) ​random genetic drift
D) ​gene flow

Gene flow is the movement of genes from one population to another. It prevents populations from developing into separate species as it brings new genetic variation into the population, keeping the gene pool diverse and connected. In contrast, founder effects and random genetic drift reduce genetic diversity within populations, increasing the likelihood of divergence and speciation. Mutation, although a source of genetic variation, is not necessarily a force that prevents populations from developing into separate species.