Sympatric speciation is a process where new species evolve from a single ancestral species while inhabiting the same geographic area. This can occur through mechanisms such as polyploidy, where an organism has more than two sets of chromosomes, often seen in plants. It can also happen due to behavioral changes, where groups within a population start to exploit different resources or mate at different times. In animals, sympatric speciation can arise when individuals develop preferences for different habitats or food sources, leading to reproductive isolation. Over time, these differences can become significant enough that even if the groups come into contact, they no longer interbreed, resulting in the emergence of distinct species.