Answer :

Speciation and extinction are two fundamental concepts in biology that involve changes in the diversity of life on Earth.

1. Speciation:
Speciation is the process by which new species evolve from existing ones. It occurs when a group of organisms become reproductively isolated from other members of their species, leading to the development of distinct traits and characteristics over time. This isolation can occur due to geographical barriers, genetic mutations, or other factors. As a result, new species with unique features and behaviors can emerge.

2. Extinction:
Extinction, on the other hand, refers to the permanent loss of a species. It occurs when a species ceases to exist either locally or globally. Extinction can happen due to various reasons such as environmental changes, natural disasters, competition with other species, or human activities like habitat destruction, pollution, and overhunting. When a species goes extinct, it means that there are no more individuals of that species left alive.

In summary, speciation leads to the formation of new species with distinct characteristics, while extinction represents the loss of species from the Earth's biodiversity. Both processes play crucial roles in shaping the diversity of life on our planet.

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