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Question

Difficulty: EasyAdaptive Radiation and Mechanisms of Speciation

Two closely related species of frogs inhabit the same pond environment but do not interbreed because one species mates during early spring and the other mates during late summer. Which reproductive isolating mechanism prevents gene flow between these two frog populations?

  1. Temporal isolationAnswer
  2. B
    Geographical isolation
  3. C
    Behavioral isolation
  4. D
    Mechanical isolation

Answer

Temporal isolation is the pre-zygotic reproductive mechanism that prevents interbreeding due to differences in mating seasons.
Temporal isolation is a pre-zygotic isolation mechanism where species are prevented from mating because their reproductive cycles occur at different times of the year or day, ensuring gene flow between them does not occur even when sharing the same habitat.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the scenario presented in the question stem.
The two frog species occupy the same physical habitat (pond) but reproduce at different times of the year (early spring vs. late summer).
Identifying the nature of the barrier (time of mating) clarifies the specific category of reproductive isolation.
2
Match the observed barrier to the correct pre-zygotic isolation mechanism.
Differences in timing of mating constitute temporal isolation.
Temporal isolation directly concerns time-based reproductive barriers.

Key Concept

Pre-zygotic Reproductive Isolation Mechanisms
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Topics

Adaptive Radiation and Mechanisms of Speciation

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