Phylogeography is the study of the distribution of genetic variation across a geographic area, and how this variation is influenced by historical and contemporary processes.

Genetic variation is the presence of differences in DNA sequences between individuals of a species.

Genetic drift is the process by which genetic variation is reduced in a population due to random sampling.

Mutation is the process by which genetic variation is increased in a population due to changes in DNA sequences.

Gene flow is the process by which genetic variation is transferred from one population to another due to the movement of individuals.

Natural selection is the process by which natural selection acts on genetic variation to produce adaptations.

Allopatric speciation is the pattern of genetic variation that is found in a population that has been divided into two or more geographically isolated groups.

Sympatric speciation is the pattern of genetic variation that is found in a population that has been divided into two or more geographically overlapping groups.

Parapatric speciation is the pattern of genetic variation that is found in a population that has been divided into two or more geographically adjacent groups.

Adaptive radiation is the pattern of genetic variation that is found in a population that has undergone a rapid diversification of species.

Molecular phylogenetics is the process by which genetic variation is used to reconstruct the evolutionary history of a species.

Molecular phylogenetics is the process by which genetic variation is used to identify the geographic origin of an individual.

Molecular phylogenetics is the process by which genetic variation is used to identify the genetic relationships between individuals.

Molecular phylogenetics is the process by which genetic variation is used to identify the evolutionary history of a gene.

Molecular phylogenetics is the process by which genetic variation is used to identify the genetic basis of a disease.