Final answer:
The type of isolation occurring in the given scenario is reproductive isolation, where the liger cub is not able to father any young. This is known as hybrid in-viability or hybrid sterility, and it indicates distinct genetic differences between lions and tigers. An example of reproductive isolation in nature is the speciation of cichlid fish in Lake Victoria.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of isolation occurring in the given scenario is called reproductive isolation. Reproductive isolation is a mechanism that prevents the interbreeding between different species or populations of organisms, leading to the formation of distinct species.
In the case of the lion and tiger mating to produce a liger cub, the fact that the liger is not able to father any young indicates that there is reproductive isolation between lions and tigers.
This type of reproductive isolation is known as hybrid inviability or hybrid sterility. It occurs when the offspring of two different species are viable but unable to reproduce.
The liger cub being infertile suggests that lions and tigers have distinct genetic differences, preventing successful reproduction.
One example of reproductive isolation in nature is seen in the speciation of cichlid fish in Lake Victoria. Different populations of cichlid fish living in the same geographic location have evolved different morphologies and feeding adaptations, leading to reproductive isolation.