Which type of isolation is characterized by differences in breeding times?

Which type of isolation is characterized by differences in breeding times?

• A. Structural isolation
• B. Ecological isolation
• C. Gametic isolation
• D. Temporal isolation

Answer: (D)

Temporal isolation is the type of isolation characterized by differences in breeding times. This occurs when two or more species breed at different times of the day, season, or year, thereby preventing them from interbreeding even if they live in the same area. For example, one species may breed in the spring while another breeds in the fall, which would prevent gene flow between the two populations. This form of isolation is significant in the process of speciation, as it can lead to the development of distinct species over time when reproductive opportunities do not overlap. In contrast, structural isolation involves differences in physical characteristics that prevent mating, ecological isolation pertains to species living in different habitats within the same area, and gametic isolation refers to the inability of sperm and eggs from different species to fertilize each other. Each of these other types of isolation operates based on different mechanisms that do not specifically relate to the timing of reproduction.

Temporal isolation is the type of isolation characterized by differences in breeding times. This occurs when two or more species breed at different times of the day, season, or year, thereby preventing them from interbreeding even if they live in the same area. For example, one species may breed in the spring while another breeds in the fall, which would prevent gene flow between the two populations.

This form of isolation is significant in the process of speciation, as it can lead to the development of distinct species over time when reproductive opportunities do not overlap. In contrast, structural isolation involves differences in physical characteristics that prevent mating, ecological isolation pertains to species living in different habitats within the same area, and gametic isolation refers to the inability of sperm and eggs from different species to fertilize each other. Each of these other types of isolation operates based on different mechanisms that do not specifically relate to the timing of reproduction.