What is speciation?

Speciation refers to the process by which one species evolves into two or more distinct species. This typically occurs through mechanisms such as geographical isolation, where populations are separated by physical barriers and gradually diverge due to different selective pressures or genetic drift. Over time, these genetic changes can become significant enough that members of the original population can no longer interbreed with the newly formed populations, resulting in reproductive isolation. This is a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology as it explains the diversity of life on Earth and how species adapt to their environments over time. Understanding speciation is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of evolution and the relationships among different organisms.