Question

Two species of frogs inhabit the same freshwater pond habitat. One species of frog sings its mating song in early May, while the other species of frog sings its mating song in late June.
These two frog species are able to remain completely separate species due to which isolating mechanism?
(a) Mechanical isolation
(b) Habitat isolation
(c) Behavioral isolation
(d) Gametic isolation
(e) Geographic isolation

Answer 1

Due to their unique characteristics that are typically calculated by generally accepted standards, the two frog species are able to remain entirely different species. It is the action or mannerism that the species exhibits.

Complete step by step answer:
When populations of the same species begin to acquire various behaviors that are not accepted or favored by members of another population, behavioral isolation occurs.
Individuals prefer members of their own species in behavioral isolation and reject other species as partners.
Mating calls are the most common example of behavioral differences. Two populations of the same species can have mating calls that are slightly different.
Over time, members tend to favor the mating call of their own population. Members will inevitably begin not to respond to communities other than their own. These two populations would ultimately evolve into two distinct species, as they only breed within their group.
The separation displayed by the frogs with different mating seasons, but living in the same pond, is also behavioral separation, as they only select members of their genus as their partners.
So, the correct answer is, ‘Behavioral isolation’.

Additional information: The genitalia or flower sections inhibit copulation or pollen transmission, respectively, in mechanical isolation. In habitat isolation, since they mate in various places, individuals of different species do not meet for mating. In gametic isolation, in externally fertilized plants, gametes suggest selective attraction and acceptance. Geographic isolation is the same as habitat isolation in which, since they mate in different places, individuals of various species do not meet for mating.

Note: Behavioral separation prohibits the breeding of members of a species. It is one of the pathways that contribute to speciation. Through this process, the actions of members of a population diverge over time. This lasts until they can't mate anymore. They then become species that are different. Behavioral separation also prevents the interbreeding of species that have recently diverged. This prevents the two species from combining to once again become the same species.