Total output in an economy increases when each person specializes because each person spends more time producing the product in which they have a comparative advantage. This means they can produce their specialized product more efficiently and at a lower opportunity cost than others. Specialization leads to increased worker efficiency, higher productivity, and overall economic growth. By focusing on specific tasks or goods, individuals and firms become more skilled and productive, allowing the economy to produce more goods and services than if everyone attempted to produce everything independently. Additionally, specialization allows for economies of scale and fosters innovation, further boosting total output in the economy.