Reproductive Isolation and Species Concepts

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to reproductive isolation and species definitions as discussed in the lecture.

Biological Species Concept

Species are groups of actually or potentially interbreeding populations, which are reproductively isolated from other such populations.

Prezygotic Isolation Mechanisms

Mechanisms that prevent fertilization from occurring, including ecological, temporal, behavioral, mechanical, and gametic isolation.

Postzygotic Isolation Mechanisms

Mechanisms that occur after fertilization, affecting hybrid viability or fertility, such as reduced hybrid viability and hybrid sterility.

Ecological Isolation

Different species breed on different species of plants or occupy different habitats.

Temporal Isolation

Different species breed at different times, which prevents interbreeding.

Behavioral Isolation

Differences in mating behaviors or courtship rituals that prevent species from recognizing each other as potential mates.

Phylogenetic Species Concept

Defining species based on evolutionary history and common ancestry.

Reproductive Isolation

The mechanisms that prevent species from interbreeding and producing viable offspring.