What is the process called when new species develop through evolution?

The process through which new species develop over time is called speciation. This occurs when populations of the same species become isolated from each other, often due to geographic, behavioral, or temporal barriers. As these populations adapt to their unique environments and encounter different selection pressures, they can undergo genetic changes that eventually lead to the formation of distinct species.

Speciation is a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology that illustrates how biodiversity increases over time through the mechanisms of natural selection, mutation, and genetic drift. It often involves a series of gradual changes rather than a sudden transformation, allowing scientists to observe this process through both fossil records and contemporary examples in nature.

Understanding speciation is crucial to the study of biology as it explains how the variety of life we see today has evolved from common ancestors over millions of years.