Two bird species overlap in a hybrid zone.They are isolated by a slight difference in the male songs and by the females' tendency to select males with the "correct" song.Hybrid offspring tend to have reduced fertility compared to either of the parent species.What effect might natural selection have in this situation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Natural selection would likely favor individuals with traits that reinforce the reproductive barrier between the two species, such as males with more distinctive songs and females that are more selective in choosing mates. This would lead to reduced gene flow between the two species and the maintenance of distinct genetic lineages. Options A and B are unlikely, as natural selection does not necessarily favor the "stronger" or "weaker" species in this situation. Option D is also unlikely, as individuals with less distinctive songs or less selective mate choice would be more likely to produce hybrid offspring with reduced fertility.

Two Bird Species Overlap in a Hybrid Zone