Question

Which statement about postzygotic barriers is false?

a) Postzygotic barriers prevent hybrid zygotes from developing into viable, fertile adults.
b) Postzygotic barriers include reduced hybrid viability and reduced hybrid fertility.
c) Postzygotic barriers contribute to the formation of new species.
d) Postzygotic barriers occur before the formation of a zygote.

Answer 1

Postzygotic barriers, such as reduced hybrid viability and fertility , prevent hybrid zygotes from developing into viable, fertile adults, contributing to reproductive isolation and speciation . They occur after zygote formation, making option false. so correct option is D.

Step-by-step explanation:

Postzygotic barriers act after the formation of hybrid zygotes and can hinder their development into viable, fertile adults, contributing to reproductive isolation and potential speciation. Reduced hybrid viability refers to the decreased likelihood of hybrid embryos reaching maturity, while reduced hybrid fertility indicates hybrids' compromised ability to produce viable offspring.]

These barriers play a crucial role in maintaining species integrity by limiting gene flow between diverging populations. Contrary to option (d), postzygotic barriers operate post-fertilization, distinguishing them from prezygotic barriers that act before the formation of a zygote. The cumulative effects of postzygotic barriers can lead to the establishment of distinct, reproductively isolated species over evolutionary time. So the correct option is D.