Speciation is the evolutionary process through which new biological species arise. It typically occurs when populations of a species become isolated from each other, leading to genetic divergence due to factors such as natural selection, mutation, and genetic drift. Over time, these differences can accumulate to a point where the populations can no longer interbreed, resulting in the formation of distinct species. There are several mechanisms of speciation, including allopatric, sympatric, and parapatric speciation.