---
title: "Habitat Isolation — AP Bio Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Habitat isolation is a prezygotic barrier where two species living in the same area never meet to mate because they use different habitats. Key to AP Bio speciation."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-bio/key-terms/habitat-isolation"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Biology"
---

# Habitat Isolation — AP Bio Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Habitat isolation is a type of prezygotic barrier where two closely related species do not mate because they inhabit different environments within the same geographic area.

## Related Study Guides

- [7.10 Speciation](/ap-bio/unit-7/speciation/study-guide/EvkCBpDW4LggHrVIepHo)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Geographic Isolation: When physical barriers prevent species from mating with each other.
- [Ecological Isolation](/ap-bio/key-terms/ecological-isolation): When species do not mate because they occupy different habitats within a region.
- [Reproductive Isolation](/ap-bio/key-terms/reproductive-isolation): The existence of factors that prevent interbreeding between two populations, leading to separate species.