What is one effect of environmental changes on populations over time?

Environmental changes can significantly impact populations over time by leading to the emergence of new species. When an environment changes—due to factors such as climate shifts, natural disasters, or the introduction of new species—the existing populations may respond through a process called speciation. This occurs when populations of a species become isolated from each other (geographically, behaviorally, or ecologically) and adapt to their new environments over generations.

As these isolated populations experience different selective pressures, they may accumulate genetic differences, eventually resulting in reproductive barriers. This can lead to the formation of new species, thus increasing biodiversity in response to changing environmental conditions. This evolutionary process demonstrates how dynamic and interconnected ecosystems can be, highlighting the role of environmental factors in driving the diversification of life.