In an area in Europe where the fire-bellied toad overlaps and breeds with the yellow-bellied toad, hybrid offspring-believed to have existed there for centuries-exhibit abnormalities such as misshapen mouths, fused vertebrae, and fewer than normal vertebrae.Hybrid survival is low compared with purebred individuals.This scenario illustrates the concept of
A) prezygotic isolating mechanisms.
B) habitat isolation.
C) gametic isolation.
D) postzygotic reproductive isolation.
E) behavioral isolation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The abnormalities and low survival rate of the hybrid offspring indicate that postzygotic reproductive isolation is occurring. This means that even though the fire-bellied toad and yellow-bellied toad are able to interbreed and produce offspring, the hybrid offspring are not viable or fertile. This is a common outcome of hybridization between closely related species.

In an Area in Europe Where the Fire-Bellied Toad Overlaps