reproductive isolation

• organisms from the same species can interbreed and produce fertile offspring
• reproductive isolation

  • changes in allele and phenotypes in a population prevents them from successfully breeding with other individuals
  • changes can be brought about due to geographical barriers or random mutations
  • RI typically leads to speciation
• seasonal changes

  • may develop different mating or flowering seasons to the rest of their population
• mechanical changes


  changes in genetalia mean they can no longer interbreed
• behavioural changes

  • changes in courtship behaviours meaning they no longer attract individuals of opposite sex for mating