Speciation is the evolutionary process through which new biological species arise. It typically occurs when populations of a species become isolated from each other and undergo genetic changes over time due to factors like natural selection, genetic drift, or mutation. As these changes accumulate, the populations may diverge to the point where they can no longer interbreed, resulting in the formation of distinct species. There are several mechanisms of speciation, including allopatric, sympatric, and parapatric speciation.