Which of the following is an example of behavioral isolation?
The offspring of horses and donkeys are sterile.
The sperm of one coral species cannot fertilize the egg of another coral species.
A species of daisy blooms later than neighboring species.
The genitals of different insect species cannot fit together,
Blue-footed boobies mate only with partners who dance with them.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
Blue-footed boobies mate only with partners who dance with them.
Explanation:
Behavioral isolation is a type of prezygotic reproductive barrier where differences in behaviors prevent individuals of different species or populations from mating. In this case, individuals of a species may have specific courtship rituals, mating calls, or displays that are not recognized or performed by individuals of other species. This ensures that mating only occurs between individuals of the same species with compatible behaviors.
In the example of blue-footed boobies, their mating system involves a highly specific courtship dance where the male displays his brightly colored blue feet while performing a particular dance to attract a mate. Females respond to these displays and choose their mates based on how well they perform the dance and the brightness of their feet. This behavior acts as an isolating mechanism because only individuals who engage in and respond to this specific dance ritual will successfully mate. Birds from other species, which lack the same behavioral patterns, would not be recognized as suitable mates, thus preventing interbreeding.
The other options illustrate different types of reproductive isolation:
- Sterile offspring of horses and donkeys: This is an example of postzygotic isolation because hybrid offspring (mules) are sterile.
- Sperm cannot fertilize the egg of another coral species: This is an example of gametic isolation, another prezygotic barrier.
- A species of daisy blooms later than neighboring species: This is temporal isolation, where species reproduce at different times.
- Insect genitals that do not fit: This is mechanical isolation, a prezygotic barrier caused by physical incompatibilities.
Behavioral isolation in blue-footed boobies is a clear and classic example of how differences in courtship behavior can prevent mating between species, ensuring species-specific reproduction.