Two groups of lizards that have long been living in allopatry have recently been reintroduced in the wild.When members of opposite groups mate,the hybrids are almost always inviable.Which of the following could be expected to occur over the long term if the populations remain in sympatry?
A)Hybrid sterility will eventually also develop.
B)Gene flow will reunite the groups into a single species.
C)Hybrids will become prevalent now that the groups are not isolated.
D)Behavioral forms of isolation will develop.
E)There is not enough information to decide which of these will happen.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In sympatric populations, behavioral isolation mechanisms may arise due to differences in courtship rituals and other mating behaviors. This would lead to a reduction in hybridization and the maintenance of the two distinct populations. Hybrid sterility and gene flow are less likely outcomes given that the hybrids are currently inviable. Option C is also unlikely since inviable hybrids would not be able to reproduce and spread throughout the population.

Two Groups of Lizards That Have Long Been Living in Allopatry