Speciation is the process by which new biological species develop. It occurs through reproductive isolation, which can develop due to geographic barriers separating populations or behavioral/ecological factors preventing interbreeding. There are several types of speciation including allopatric, where populations are isolated geographically; parapatric, involving isolation in adjacent habitats; and sympatric, occurring without geographic separation through mechanisms like habitat differentiation. Reproductive barriers that maintain species include prezygotic barriers preventing fertilization and postzygotic barriers hindering viable offspring.