In some cases, species are defined by the ability of members to interbreed or the extent of
isolation.

Question

In some cases, species are defined by the ability of members to interbreed or the extent of 
 isolation.

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The prompt asks to fill the blank in the phrase: 'In some cases, species are defined by the ability of members to interbreed or the extent of 
 isolation.'

Option available: 空白1

Since the sentence discusses how species can be defined by interbreeding ability and by how isolated they are, the natural paired term is 'reproductive isolation.' This term is widely used in biology to describe barriers that prevent different species from interbreeding or from producing viable offspring, thereby contributing to speciation.

Using the root 'reproductive' as the blank appropriately modifies 'isolation' to form the standard phrase 'reproductive isolation.' This captures both the genetic compatibility aspect (ability to interbreed) and the various barriers that reduce gene flow between populations.

If we consider alternatives, a generic word like 'genetic' might seem plausible in other contexts, but the established concept linked to interbreeding and isolation is specifically 'reproductive isolation.' The stem 'reproductive' emphasizes processes related to reproduction, which aligns with how interbreeding potential is evaluated in species definitions.

Overall, the fill-in aligns with core evolutionary biology concepts: reproductive isolation is a key criterion distinguishing species by their ability to exchange genes.

In some cases, species are defined by the ability of members to interbreed or the extent of isolation.

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Similar Questions

Crosses between female horses and male donkeys produce mules. Gene flow between the gene pools of horses and donkeys is prevented by I. hybrid sterility. II. a pre-zygotic isolating mechanism. III. a post-zygotic isolating mechanism.

Differences of bird songs between two closely related species of meadowlarks represent a mechanism for

Two species of a plant cannot interbreed, because their flowers differ in size and shape and require pollination by different species of bee. This is a/an ___ isolating mechanism.

Two species of a plant cannot interbreed, because their flowers differ in size and shape and require pollination by different species of bee. This is a/an ___ reproductive barrier.

Prezygotic isolating mechanisms are typically more common than postzygotic mechanisms. One explanation is that prezygotic mechanisms are less costly in terms of and , and so natural selection has favored them.

Although they both prevent successful interbreeding among members of different species, isolating mechanisms prevent the formation of a zygote, whereas isolating mechanisms prevent successful reproduction of a hybrid after successful fertilization has occurred.

Reproductive isolating mechanisms fall into two main categories: isolating mechanisms and isolating mechanisms.

Mechanisms that prevent genetic exchange between members of different species and often play a role in plant and animal speciation are termed reproductive mechanisms.

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