What type of speciation occurs due to geographic isolation?

The correct answer is the type of speciation that occurs due to geographic isolation, which is allopatric speciation. Allopatric speciation happens when a population of a species becomes separated by a geographic barrier, such as mountains, rivers, or distance, preventing individuals from mating with each other. Over time, the isolated populations may undergo different evolutionary changes due to factors such as natural selection, genetic drift, and mutations. This divergence can lead to the development of distinct species that can no longer interbreed even if they come back into contact with one another.

In contrast to allopatric speciation, parapatric speciation occurs when populations are partially isolated by a barrier but can still have some contact along their borders. Sympatric speciation happens without any geographic separation, as it works through mechanisms like polyploidy or behavioral isolation occurring within the same geographic area. Peripatric speciation is a related concept where a small population becomes isolated at the edge of a larger population’s range, but it is still considered a form of allopatric speciation due to the geographic aspects involved. Each of these processes has distinct evolutionary implications, but in the case of geographic isolation, allopatric speciation is the most accurate term.