Biological divergence refers to the process by which populations of organisms gradually develop genetic and phenotypic differences due to various factors such as natural selection, genetic drift, and environmental influences. This divergence can eventually lead to the formation of new species over time. Studying biological divergence is important for understanding the mechanisms driving evolution and speciation, as well as for conservation efforts to preserve biodiversity. Researchers in this field analyze genetic, morphological, and behavioral differences between populations to uncover the evolutionary processes at work.