Question

In northern California, two types of pine trees grow in close proximity. One of the pine trees drops its pollen in March, and the other in May. Their inability to cross pollinate is best described by which mechanism?

A. Genetic Drift

B. Behavioral Isolation

C. Temporal Isolation

D. Geograpical Isolation

Answer 1

behavioral isolation, they pollinate at different times of the year.

Answer 2

The correct answer would be C. temporal isolation.

Temporal isolation is a type of pre-zygotic reproductive isolation in which organisms of two species are prevented from interbreeding with each other with the help of difference in time zone, that is, temporal.

In the case of plants, different time zone refers to the difference in time of sexual maturation of flowers or pollen grains.

For example, one plant pollinates in March whereas another plant pollinates in May which prevents the landing of pollen grains of one plant on the stigma of another plant.

Thus, it leads to reproductive isolation.