Page "Speciation" Paragraph 49

Reinforcement, also called the Wallace effect, is the process by which natural selection increases reproductive isolation.

It may occur after two populations of the same species are separated and then come back into contact.

If their reproductive isolation was complete, then they will have already developed into two separate incompatible species.

If their reproductive isolation is incomplete, then further mating between the populations will produce hybrids, which may or may not be fertile.

If the hybrids are infertile, or fertile but less fit than their ancestors, then there will be further reproductive isolation and speciation has essentially occurred ( e. g., as in horses and donkeys.