In the North Pacific Ocean, two groups of the same species of killer whales (Orcinus orca) appear to be forming two different species based on what they eat. One group eats fish and the other eats mammals such as seals. Scientists can tell what they eat based on their teeth, because whales that feed on fish have significantly different wear patterns.
-Another difference between the two groups is in how they hunt. Whales that hunt fish tend to travel in large pods (groups of whales) and vocalize often. Whales that hunt seals, however, tend to travel in very small groups and vocalize very little, likely because of the excellent hearing ability of seals. If these differences brought about speciation, the separation would be considered
A) habitat isolation.
B) temporal isolation.
C) behavioral isolation.
D) mechanical isolation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The differences in hunting behavior between the two groups of killer whales suggest that they are experiencing behavioral isolation, which is a prezygotic barrier to reproduction. The other options (habitat isolation, temporal isolation, and mechanical isolation) do not accurately reflect the observed differences between the two groups.

In the North Pacific Ocean, Two Groups of the Same