A population of ground squirrels is separated by a glacier.Changes in which of the following would most likely result in reproductive isolation if the two populations came into contact several generations later?
A)A change in the fur colour of one group.
B)A change in the diet of one group.
C)A change in the gene encoding of a receptor on the egg-cell surface in one group.
D)A change in the alarm call of one group to warn of predators.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A change in the gene encoding of a receptor on the egg-cell surface in one group is most likely to result in reproductive isolation when the two populations come into contact. This is because it can lead to changes in the ability of the sperm of one population to fertilize the egg of the other population, causing a barrier to successful reproduction. Changes in fur colour, diet, and alarm calls are less likely to result in such a barrier.

A Population of Ground Squirrels Is Separated by a Glacier