Which type of isolation is characterized by populations reproducing at different times?

Temporal isolation is a type of reproductive isolation that occurs when populations of the same species reproduce at different times. This can include differences in the timing of breeding seasons, daily activity patterns, or even the time of day when individuals are fertile. For example, if one population of a species breeds in the spring and another in the fall, they will not interbreed even if they coexist in the same habitat, as their reproductive periods do not overlap.

This mechanism is crucial for maintaining distinct species and preventing gene flow between them, which can lead to speciation. The unique timing of reproduction ensures that mating opportunities do not coincide, thereby reinforcing the separation of populations.