A hybrid zone between two species of butterflies contains individuals with widely varying genotypes, ranging from those matching both parental species to those with varying proportions of genes from the parental species.From this information one can infer that
A) prezygotic isolating mechanisms are maintaining the hybrid zone.
B) postzygotic isolating mechanisms are maintaining the hybrid zone.
C) the hybrid zone is relatively old.
D) the hybrid zone is relatively new.
E) the hybrid zone has been reinforced.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of individuals with a wide range of genotypes, including those closely resembling both parental species and those with varying proportions of genes from each, suggests that the hybrid zone has existed for a sufficient amount of time to allow for extensive mixing and recombination of genetic material. This indicates that the hybrid zone is relatively old, as it has allowed for the development of a diverse array of genotypes through multiple generations of breeding.

A Hybrid Zone Between Two Species of Butterflies Contains Individuals