Two species of narrowmouth frogs in the United States have mating calls that differ more in their region of sympatry than in those parts of their ranges that do not overlap. If this difference in their vocalizations has the function of preventing hybridization between the two species, it is an example of

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Reinforcement occurs when natural selection strengthens prezygotic barriers to reproduction between two species in areas of sympatry to prevent the formation of hybrid individuals. The difference in vocalizations between the two species in their region of sympatry suggests that natural selection is strengthening this prezygotic barrier to prevent hybridization. A hybrid zone refers to an area where two species come into contact and mate, while sympatric speciation involves the evolution of new species within the same geographic region. Postzygotic reproductive barriers occur after the formation of a hybrid individual and prevent its survival or ability to reproduce, and allopatric speciation involves the formation of new species due to geographic isolation.

Two Species of Narrowmouth Frogs in the United States Have