Theories of speciation

Theories of speciation describe how new species form when populations of a species become reproductively isolated and evolve separately. In allopatric speciation, physical barriers like mountains or rivers prevent groups from interbreeding, leading to differences over time. Sympatric speciation occurs when new species develop within the same area, often due to differences in behavior or ecology. Other ideas include parapatric speciation, where neighboring populations diverge due to limited gene flow, and hybridization, where different species interbreed and create new ones. These processes, driven by genetic changes and environmental factors, ultimately lead to the diversity of life we see today.