Which example best illustrates behavioral reproductive isolation?
A) Cricket males recognize and can mate with a closely related species that makes the same sounds to attract females.
B) The mating call of a male frog attracts females of several closely related species.
C) Hummingbird females of one species ignore the elaborate mating flights of a closely related species.
D) Two species of moths feed and mate on the same plant species.
E) Three closely related lily species have flowers that open in the afternoon.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hummingbird females of one species ignoring the elaborate mating flights of a closely related species is an example of behavioral reproductive isolation. This is because the differences in the behavior of the two species prevent them from successfully mating with one another. The males of the closely related species may perform different mating rituals or behaviors that do not attract the females of the other species, preventing gene flow between them.

Which Example Best Illustrates Behavioral Reproductive Isolation