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Multiple Choice
What are the two main types of reproductive isolating mechanisms in speciation?
A
Sympatric and allopatric
B
Prezygotic and postzygotic
C
Geographic and temporal
D
Behavioral and mechanical
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that reproductive isolating mechanisms are biological features that prevent different species from interbreeding.
Recognize that these mechanisms are categorized into two main types: prezygotic and postzygotic.
Prezygotic isolating mechanisms occur before fertilization and include factors like temporal isolation (breeding at different times), behavioral isolation (differences in mating rituals), mechanical isolation (incompatibility of reproductive organs), and geographic isolation (physical separation).
Postzygotic isolating mechanisms occur after fertilization and include factors like hybrid inviability (offspring do not develop properly), hybrid sterility (offspring are sterile), and hybrid breakdown (offspring are fertile but their descendants are not).
Differentiate between these mechanisms and other terms like sympatric and allopatric speciation, which refer to the geographic context of speciation rather than the biological mechanisms preventing interbreeding.