The process responsible for the creation of new species is called speciation. Speciation occurs when populations of a single species become reproductively isolated due to various factors, such as geographic barriers, behavioral differences, or genetic divergence. Over time, these isolated populations accumulate differences in their genetic makeup, leading to the emergence of distinct species. There are two primary modes of speciation: allopatric speciation, where populations are separated by physical barriers, and sympatric speciation, where new species arise within the same geographic area. Speciation plays a crucial role in evolution and biodiversity.