When species are kept separate by preventing the formation of hybrid zygotes,the mechanism that keeps the species separate is known as a ________ isolating mechanism.
A)hybridization
B)postzygotic
C)prezygotic
D)adaptive
E)differential

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Prezygotic isolating mechanisms prevent the formation of hybrid zygotes by blocking fertilization or mating altogether. This includes mechanisms such as habitat isolation, temporal isolation, behavioral isolation, mechanical isolation, and gametic isolation. Postzygotic isolating mechanisms, on the other hand, occur after hybridization has taken place and result in reduced fitness of the hybrid offspring or infertility. Hybridization and differential isolating mechanisms are not actual categories of isolating mechanisms. Adaptive isolating mechanisms refer to cases where natural selection has favored traits that prevent interbreeding between populations.

When Species Are Kept Separate by Preventing the Formation of Hybrid