Introduction

Speciation is a fundamental process in the evolution of life, essential for the diversity of species we see on Earth today. It refers to the formation of new and distinct species through the gradual accumulation of genetic differences, driven by factors such as natural selection, genetic drift, and geographic isolation. This process is key to understanding how life adapts and evolves over time, giving rise to the incredible variety of organisms that inhabit our planet. Because speciation is central to the study of evolution, scientists closely examine the mechanisms and conditions that lead to the emergence of new species. By understanding speciation, we gain insights into the dynamics of life’s diversity and the ongoing evolution of species. But what drives speciation, and how does it unfold? These are the questions we explore in this chapter.