What term describes the formation of new species due to geographical separation?

The formation of new species due to geographical separation is termed allopatric speciation. This process occurs when a population is divided by a physical barrier, such as mountains, rivers, or distances, preventing individuals from interbreeding. Over time, the separated populations can experience different environmental pressures and mutations, leading to divergent evolutionary paths. As they adapt to their distinct environments, genetic differences accumulate, ultimately resulting in the emergence of new species.

Other terms like sympatric speciation refer to speciation that occurs within the same geographic area, often through mechanisms such as behavioral differences or polyploidy in plants, while adaptive radiation describes the rapid evolution of multiple species from a common ancestor in response to different ecological niches. Speciation is a more general term that encompasses various processes leading to the development of new species, but in the context of geographical separation, allopatric speciation is the most precise term.