What does "conterminous" refer to in a geographical context?

The term "conterminous" specifically refers to areas that share a common boundary or are contiguous. In a geographical context, this means that the regions being discussed are adjacent and border one another without any intervening space. Understanding this concept is important for recognizing how different regions relate to one another geographically, as "conterminous" highlights the proximity and interconnectedness of those areas.

The other choices describe characteristics that do not align with the definition of "conterminous." For instance, separate and distinct areas, inconsistent regions, and isolated territories all imply separation or lack of boundaries, which contrasts with the idea of sharing a common boundary. This is why the correct answer accurately reflects the meaning of the word in its geographical usage.