56. (4 points) Evolution rid renowned evolutionary biologist on vacation in the

Question

56. (4 points) Evolution rid renowned evolutionary biologist on vacation in the rain forest. Your guide comes wo very similar looking animals and in describing them states that they are different spedi anoconvinced and the guide asks for more information. Explain what you would need to a) You are a wo across t observe i n order to confirm whether these organisms are or are not different species. What are two reproductive isolating mechanisms that could be the reason that these two anim different species? Name and describe them. b)

Explanation / Answer

a) To confirm whether the two organisms are different species or not we need to ascertain their reproductive habits. If the two similar-looking organisms successfully mate in wild they will be considered as same species. If they do not reproduce, they will be considered as different species.

b) Two possible reproductive isolation mechanisms:

(i) Behavioral isolation : The different mating rituals of animal species creates powerful reproductive barriers, termed as sexual-behavioral isolation. It isolates apparently similar species of the animal kingdom. In dioecious species, males and females have to search for a partner, be in proximity to each other, carry out the complex mating rituals and finally copulate or release their gametes into the environment in order to breed.

(ii) Gametic isolation : Surface proteins present on the ovum/egg of one species can recognize sperm from the same species only. Thus, sperm from other similar species will not be able to fertilize the ovum. (eg. read about "Zona reaction" in mammals)

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