Which statement best describes the reproductive isolation between populations of Rhagoletis flies, one of which is found on apple trees and the other that is found on hawthorn trees?
A) Hybrid offspring of the two populations are sterile.
B) Hawthorn trees and apple trees grow in different areas, so the two populations do not encounter each other.
C) Eggs laid by female flies mated with a male from the ʺwrongʺ population do not develop.
D) Male flies of one population cannot physically mate with females from the other population.
E) Apple-liking males are more likely to encounter apple-liking females than hawthorn-liking females.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reproductive isolation between the two populations of Rhagoletis flies is primarily due to their preferences for different host plants (apple trees vs. hawthorn trees), which leads to them being more likely to encounter and mate with individuals with the same host plant preference. This is an example of habitat isolation, a form of prezygotic barrier where different environments lead to the separation of populations.

Which Statement Best Describes the Reproductive Isolation Between Populations of Rhagoletis