Rank the following in order from most general to most specific:
1) gametic isolation
2) reproductive isolating mechanism
3) sperm-egg incompatibility in sea urchins
4) prezygotic isolating mechanism
A) 2, 3, 1, 4
B) 2, 4, 1, 3
C) 4, 1, 2, 3
D) 4, 2, 1, 3
E) 2, 1, 4, 3

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reproductive isolating mechanism is a broad term that refers to any mechanism that prevents reproduction between different species or populations. Prezygotic isolating mechanism is a specific type of reproductive isolating mechanism that refers to mechanisms that prevent the formation of a zygote, such as gametic isolation or sperm-egg incompatibility. Sperm-egg incompatibility in sea urchins is a specific example of prezygotic isolating mechanism. Therefore, the ranking from most general to most specific is 2, 4, 1, 3, making choice B the best answer.

Rank the Following in Order from Most General to Most