Which type of isolation is most likely caused by geographic barriers?

Geographic isolation occurs when physical barriers, such as mountains, rivers, or distances between habitats, prevent populations of a species from interbreeding. This type of isolation often leads to the development of distinct species or subspecies over time due to the lack of gene flow between the separated populations. The geographic barriers effectively split a population, leading to divergent evolution, as each group adapts to its unique environment.

Behavioral isolation refers to differences in mating behaviors or rituals that can prevent species from interbreeding, while habitat isolation occurs when two species live in different habitats and thus do not meet. Reproductive isolation encompasses various mechanisms that prevent species from successfully mating or producing viable offspring, but geographic isolation specifically highlights physical barriers that directly separate populations. In this context, geographic isolation is the most accurate choice as it directly relates to the influence of geographic barriers on population separation.