What is speciation?

Speciation refers to the evolutionary process where a biological population evolves to become distinct species. This process usually occurs when populations of a species become isolated from each other, leading to divergent evolutionary paths. Over time, genetic differences accumulate due to factors such as natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation, eventually resulting in populations that can no longer interbreed and reproduce viable offspring.

This process can occur through various mechanisms, such as allopatric speciation, where populations are geographically separated, or sympatric speciation, where populations diverge while still occupying the same geographical area. Understanding speciation is crucial for comprehending biodiversity and how new species adapt to different environments over time. By focusing on how populations evolve into distinct species, we gain insights into the dynamics of evolution and the origin of the vast array of organisms present in the world today.