Which of the following best describes behavioral isolation?

Study for the NCEA Level 3 Biology Speciation Exam. Test your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each providing hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for success!

Behavioral isolation is a type of reproductive isolation that occurs when two populations of a species develop different mating behaviors or rituals, which prevents them from interbreeding, even if they live in the same area. In this case, mate selection based on different traits perfectly captures this concept. For example, one species might prefer certain courtship displays or mating calls that the other does not recognize, ultimately leading to an inability to produce offspring together despite potential opportunities to mate.

In contrast, the other options refer to different mechanisms of speciation. Adapting to different climates relates to environmental adaptation rather than specific mating behaviors. Geographical separation causing divergence describes allopatric speciation, where species become isolated due to physical barriers like mountains or rivers, leading to evolutionary changes over time. Lastly, different reproductive habitats can refer to habitat isolation, where two species live in different environments and thus do not encounter each other to mate, but does not specifically address the behavioral aspects of mate selection. Therefore, option B accurately describes the role of behavioral isolation in the speciation process.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy