An example of behavioral isolation is Bower birds, and this is prezygotic.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
An example of behavioral isolation is the bowerbirds. This is a type of prezygotic reproductive barrier.
Explanation
Behavioral isolation occurs when two populations of the same or closely related species do not mate because of differences in courtship behavior or mating rituals. This is a form of prezygotic barrier, meaning it prevents fertilization from occurring in the first place. These behaviors can include differences in songs, dances, visual displays, or chemical signals that are used to attract mates. If individuals from different populations do not recognize or respond to each other’s mating signals, they will not reproduce.
A well-known example of behavioral isolation is seen in bowerbirds, which are native to Australia and New Guinea. Male bowerbirds build elaborate structures called bowers and decorate them with brightly colored objects like berries, shells, or even pieces of plastic to attract females. Each species of bowerbird has its own unique style of bower construction and decoration preferences. Furthermore, they also have distinct courtship dances and vocalizations.
Females are very selective and choose mates based on these displays. Even if two species of bowerbirds live in the same area, a female will not be attracted to a male of a different species if his courtship behavior does not match what she recognizes. This behavioral difference prevents interbreeding, even though the birds may be physically capable of mating. Because mating does not occur, no zygote is formed, and this makes behavioral isolation a prezygotic barrier.
Behavioral isolation helps maintain species boundaries and contributes to speciation over time. It allows populations to evolve separately and develop unique characteristics that further prevent interbreeding. This kind of reproductive barrier is especially common in animals with complex mating rituals or vocalizations, such as birds, frogs, and insects, where precise recognition is crucial for successful reproduction.
