Which statement best describes speciation? 

A)  The loss of a species as the result of background extinction. 
B)  The loss of a species as the result of a mass extinction event. 
C)  The formation of a new species through convergent evolution. 
D)  The formation of a new species by the process of natural selection.

Speciation is the process of forming a new species. This occurs through the process of natural selection and genetic variation over time, leading to the development of distinct traits and reproductive isolation from the original population. Option A and B are incorrect as they refer to extinction, not speciation. Option C refers to convergent evolution, but this does not necessarily lead to the formation of a new species.