Two species of frogs belonging to the same genus occasionally mate, but the embryos stop developing after a day and then die. These two frog species separate by ________.
A) reduced hybrid viability
B) hybrid breakdown
C) reduced hybrid fertility
D) gametic isolation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reduced hybrid viability refers to when hybrid offspring have lower survival rates, which is not the case in this scenario as the embryos die after a day. Hybrid breakdown refers to when second-generation hybrids have reduced fertility or viability, which is not applicable in this scenario. Reduced hybrid fertility refers to when hybrid offspring have reduced fertility, but in this case, the embryos do not even survive long enough to reach reproductive age. Gametic isolation refers to when gametes of different species cannot fuse, which is not the case here, as the mating occurs and embryos are formed but do not develop properly. Therefore, the best choice is reduced hybrid viability.

Two Species of Frogs Belonging to the Same Genus Occasionally