What type of isolation occurs when members of different species do not come in contact?

Habitat isolation occurs when different species inhabit different environments or habitats and, as a consequence, do not encounter each other. This separation can prevent mating opportunities, leading to reproductive isolation even if the species are not inherently incompatible. For instance, if one species of frog lives in a pond while another species thrives in a nearby forest, their differences in habitat mean they are unlikely to meet and breed.

Understanding habitat isolation is crucial when studying how species diverge and maintain their distinct identities over time. In contrast, behavioral, mechanical, and temporal isolation involve variations in mating behaviors, physical reproductive structures, and timing of reproduction that affect whether species can produce viable offspring if they do come into contact.