Question

Which of the following is most important for speciation?

• A. Temporal isolation
• B. Reproductive isolation
• C. Behavioral isolation
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B Reproductive isolation

The phenomenon of development of a new species from a pre-existing one is called speciation. Reproductive isolation refers to a lack of the ability to interbreed between the populations of two different species. Temporal isolation means 'isolated in time,' so this is a mechanism that prevents species from mating because they breed at different times. These differences can be a time of day, season, or even different years. Behavioral isolation is an important evolutionary mechanism that helps members of the same species identify each other as proper mates. Temporal and behavioral isolation are two aspects that contribute to reproductive isolation and hence, they individually cannot be indispensable for speciation to occur. Reproductive isolation, which includes these along with various other aspects, would play a significant role in speciation.