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Multiple Choice
Three species of frogs, Rana pipiens, Rana clamitans, and Rana sylvatica, all mate in the same ponds, but they pair off correctly because they have different calls. This is a specific example of a __________ barrier, called __________.
A
postzygotic; hybrid breakdown
B
prezygotic; temporal isolation
C
postzygotic; mechanical isolation
D
prezygotic; gametic isolation
E
prezygotic; behavioral isolation
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the two main types of reproductive barriers: prezygotic and postzygotic. Prezygotic barriers prevent mating or fertilization between species, while postzygotic barriers occur after fertilization, affecting the viability or fertility of the hybrid offspring.
Understand the concept of behavioral isolation, which is a type of prezygotic barrier. Behavioral isolation occurs when two species have differences in mating behaviors or rituals that prevent them from interbreeding.
Analyze the scenario: Three species of frogs mate in the same ponds but do not interbreed because they have different calls. This indicates that the frogs use distinct mating calls to recognize and select their own species, which is a behavioral trait.
Determine that the different calls serve as a mechanism to prevent interbreeding between the species, thus acting as a prezygotic barrier.
Conclude that the specific type of barrier described in the problem is a prezygotic barrier, specifically behavioral isolation, as the frogs' different calls prevent them from mating with the wrong species.