Which of the following is an example of a prefertilization barrier to reproduction?
a. A female mammal is unable to carry a hybrid offspring to term
b. Hybrid plants produce only sterile pollen
c. A hybrid between two bird species cannot perform a mating display
d. A male fly of one species performs a 'wing-waving' display that does not convince a female of another species to mate with him
e. A hybrid embryo is not able to complete development

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of reproductive barriers. Reproductive barriers are mechanisms that prevent species from interbreeding and producing viable offspring. These barriers can be classified into two main types: prefertilization (prezygotic) and postfertilization (postzygotic). Prefertilization barriers occur before the formation of a zygote, while postfertilization barriers occur after fertilization.
2. Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the question. Each option describes a scenario related to reproduction. Determine whether each scenario occurs before or after fertilization.
3. Step 3: Evaluate option (a): 'A female mammal is unable to carry a hybrid offspring to term.' This scenario involves a postfertilization barrier because it occurs after fertilization and involves the development of the hybrid offspring.
4. Step 4: Evaluate option (d): 'A male fly of one species performs a 'wing-waving' display that does not convince a female of another species to mate with him.' This scenario describes a behavioral barrier that prevents mating from occurring, which is a prefertilization barrier.
5. Step 5: Confirm that option (d) is the correct example of a prefertilization barrier to reproduction, as it prevents the formation of a zygote by inhibiting mating behavior between species.

Key Concepts

Prefertilization Barriers

Prefertilization barriers are mechanisms that prevent mating or fertilization between different species. These barriers can occur before the formation of a zygote and include various forms of reproductive isolation, such as behavioral, temporal, and mechanical isolation. Understanding these barriers is crucial for studying speciation and the maintenance of species boundaries.

Behavioral Isolation

Behavioral isolation is a type of prefertilization barrier where differences in mating behaviors or rituals prevent species from interbreeding. For example, if one species has a specific courtship display that another species does not recognize, they will not mate. This concept highlights the importance of mating signals and behaviors in reproductive success.

Hybrid Viability and Fertility

Hybrid viability and fertility refer to the ability of hybrid offspring to survive and reproduce. While some hybrids may be born, they can be sterile or have reduced fitness, which limits gene flow between species. This concept is essential for understanding the consequences of hybridization and the evolutionary implications of reproductive barriers.