Reproductive isolation occurs when different species are unable to interbreed and produce viable offspring due to physical, behavioral, or genetic barriers.
congrats on reading the definition of Reproductive Isolation. now let's actually learn it.
Prezygotic Barriers: These prevent mating or fertilization between species. It's like not even being able to start a conversation because you don't understand any words the other person is saying.
Postzygotic Barriers: These occur after mating and fertilization but prevent hybrid offspring from being viable or fertile. It's like having a conversation where you understand some words, but still can't fully comprehend or respond effectively.
Hybrid Inviability/Infertility: This happens when interspecies mating produces an offspring that either cannot survive (inviability) or reproduce (infertility). It's like managing to have a broken conversation, but it doesn't lead anywhere productive because there are too many misunderstandings.