In what way does climate change act as a driving force for speciation?

Climate change acts as a driving force for speciation primarily by altering habitats and selective pressures. As the climate shifts, ecosystems can be dramatically transformed. This change can lead to the fragmentation of habitats and the creation of new environments, pushing populations into isolated areas.

As populations adapt to their new environments, different selective pressures arise—such as changes in temperature, precipitation, or the availability of resources. Over time, these differing pressures can lead to divergent evolutionary paths, where populations develop unique adaptations that can enhance their survival in the altered habitat. If these adaptations become significant enough, they may lead to reproductive isolation, ultimately resulting in the emergence of new species.

The other options do not accurately represent the role of climate change in speciation. Climate change does not universally stop interbreeding or prevent species from evolving, and it certainly does not preserve existing habitats, as it often leads to habitat loss and transformation.