What is the process called that involves the formation of two or more species from an original ancestral species?

The process that involves the formation of two or more species from an original ancestral species is known as speciation. This biological phenomenon occurs when populations of the same species become isolated over time, leading to genetic divergence and the eventual emergence of distinct species. Isolation can be due to various factors, such as geographic barriers, environmental changes, or reproductive barriers that prevent interbreeding. As a result, evolutionary pressures can shape each isolated population differently, adapting them to their specific environments and leading to the development of unique characteristics.

Understanding speciation is crucial in biology as it explains the diversity of life on Earth and how organisms adapt to their environments over time. It’s a fundamental concept that illustrates the dynamic nature of evolutionary processes.