Which pre-zygotic reproductive isolating mechanism prevents interbreeding between two sympatric species because they breed at different times of the day or in different seasons?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Temporal (seasonal) isolation
- Step 1: Reproductive isolating mechanisms prevent gene flow between sympatric species.
- Step 2: Temporal isolation occurs when closely related species mate or flower at different times of day or different seasons of the year.
- Step 3: For example, Bufo americanus breeds in early spring, whereas Bufo fowleri breeds in late spring in the same geographic territory, preventing hybrid zygote formation.
Answer
Temporal (seasonal) isolation.
Why not the others: Behavioral isolation relies on differing courtship displays and vocalizations; Mechanical isolation involves anatomical incompatibility of genitalia; Gametic incompatibility occurs when sperm cannot fertilize the ovum due to biochemical mismatches.
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