When passing a std::vector<T2> to a function expecting std::vector<T1>, where T2 is derived from T1, the compiler raises an error because std::vector is not covariant. This means that a vector of derived types cannot be treated as a vector of base types directly. While using pointers or references might allow for polymorphic behavior, actual instances in vectors do not support this due to their strict type requirements. To achieve the desired functionality, one must pass a pointer to the vector and ensure that the vector elements are of the same type.