Imagine two species of snakes that live in a tropical rain forest of Malaysia do not typically interbreed.In nature,one species is ground-dwelling and feeds mainly on insects and small amphibians near water,whereas the other snake feeds in the lower to mid-canopy of trees and vines rising from the forest floor.However,at a zoo in Singapore where they were kept in the same gallery exhibit,the two species were observed interbreeding and produced viable offspring.Which of the following reproductive barriers is most likely preventing these species from interbreeding in the forest?
A)reduced hybrid viability
B)habitat isolation
C)a postzygotic barrier
D)mechanical isolation
E)gametic isolation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Habitat isolation is the most likely reproductive barrier preventing interbreeding between the two species in the forest. The ground-dwelling species and tree-dwelling species occupy different habitats, and therefore have little opportunity to mate. In the zoo exhibit, the two species were brought together in an artificial habitat, thus eliminating the barrier. The fact that they produced viable offspring suggests that postzygotic barriers, such as reduced hybrid viability, gametic isolation, or mechanical isolation, did not come into play.

Imagine Two Species of Snakes That Live in a Tropical