Which factor does NOT contribute to increased rates of speciation?

Habitat stability does not contribute to increased rates of speciation because stable environments tend to favor existing species, allowing them to continue to thrive without the pressures that often drive speciation. In stable habitats, the evolutionary pressures may be less intense, reducing the likelihood of populations diverging into new species due to stabilizing selection.

In contrast, geographic isolation fosters speciation by separating populations, leading to the potential for different evolutionary paths. Environmental diversity creates a range of ecological niches, promoting adaptive radiation as species evolve to exploit various resources. Limited gene flow also plays a key role in speciation, as it reduces genetic exchange between populations, allowing them to accumulate differences over time that can lead to the formation of new species. This context highlights the importance of dynamic and variable conditions in speciation processes, emphasizing that habitat stability is more likely to maintain rather than promote diversification.