Question

Rank the following in order from most general to most specific: 1. gametic isolation 2. reproductive isolating mechanism 3. sperm-egg incompatibility in sea urchins 4. prezygotic isolating mechanism?

1) 2, 3, 1, 4
2) 2, 4, 1, 3
3) 4, 1, 2, 3
4) 4, 2, 1, 3

Answer 1

The correct ranking from most general to most specific is reproductive isolating mechanism, prezygotic isolating mechanism, gametic isolation, and sperm-egg incompatibility in sea urchins.

Step-by-step explanation:

When ranking from most general to most specific in the context of reproductive isolation mechanisms the correct order would be reproductive isolating mechanism, prezygotic isolating mechanism, gametic isolation, and finally, sperm-egg incompatibility in sea urchins. Reproductive isolating mechanisms are a broad category that includes all factors that can prevent two species from reproducing. Prezygotic isolating mechanisms are a subset of this, referring specifically to barriers that occur before the formation of a zygote.

Gametic isolation is a type of prezygotic barrier where there is an incompatibility at the gamete level. The most specific is sperm-egg incompatibility in sea urchins which is a very specific case of gametic isolation. Therefore, the correct order is reproductive isolating mechanism, prezygotic isolating mechanism, gametic isolation, and sperm-egg incompatibility in sea urchins.