What does speciation refer to in biology?

Speciation in biology is defined as the formation of new species due to evolutionary processes. This typically occurs when populations of a species become isolated from each other, either geographically or through other means, leading to genetic divergence over time. As these populations adapt to their unique environments and changes in their genetic makeup accumulate, they can eventually become so distinct that they can no longer interbreed, resulting in the emergence of a new species.

This process can occur through mechanisms such as allopatric speciation, where physical barriers like mountains or rivers separate populations, or sympatric speciation, where populations evolve in the same geographic area but exploit different niches or resources. The overall concept hinges on the idea of genetic variation, adaptation, and reproductive isolation, marking a pivotal aspect of evolutionary biology.