This document discusses evolution and speciation. It begins by outlining the classification system for humans, then discusses what defines a species. A species is defined as a group that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, but there are exceptions. Speciation occurs through both geographic isolation (allopatric) and changes within populations (sympatric). Isolating mechanisms, genetic drift, migration, and chance events can all contribute to the formation of new species. Speciation rates vary widely and mass extinctions have occurred periodically throughout history.