Reproductive Isolation

• Reproductive isolation:

  • WHAT: how species maintain their ability to produce fertile offspring.
  • WHY: maintains chromosome number and prevents chromosomal mutations.
  • HOW: different species have specific mechanisms to prevent interbreeding between two DIFFERENT species so as to ensure the healthiest offspring.
• Temporal / seasonal:

  • different organisms reproduce at different times of the year.
  • female organisms are often only fertile during a specific time of the year.
• Species specific courtship:

  • Also known as: behavioural / rituals
  • can include mating calls, dances, building of nests.