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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an example of a postzygotic reproductive barrier?
A
One species of frog mates in April, but another mates in May.
B
The sperm of a marine worm can only fertilize eggs of the same species.
C
One species of flower grows in forested areas, another in meadows.
D
Two pheasant species perform different courtship dances.
E
Two fruit flies of different species produce sterile offspring.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of reproductive barriers: Reproductive barriers are mechanisms that prevent species from mating with each other or ensure that any offspring are sterile. They are divided into prezygotic and postzygotic barriers.
Identify prezygotic barriers: These occur before fertilization and include temporal isolation (mating at different times), habitat isolation (living in different environments), behavioral isolation (different mating rituals), and mechanical or gametic isolation (incompatibility of reproductive organs or gametes).
Identify postzygotic barriers: These occur after fertilization and include hybrid inviability (offspring do not develop properly), hybrid sterility (offspring are sterile), and hybrid breakdown (offspring are fertile but their descendants are not).
Analyze the given options: The first four options describe prezygotic barriers: temporal isolation (frogs mating in different months), gametic isolation (marine worm sperm), habitat isolation (flowers in different areas), and behavioral isolation (pheasants with different dances).
Recognize the correct example of a postzygotic barrier: The last option, 'Two fruit flies of different species produce sterile offspring,' describes hybrid sterility, a postzygotic barrier, because the offspring are unable to reproduce.