Question

Two species of pine, Pious radiata and Pirms maricota, live together in California and ARE capable of forming hybrids under laboratory conditions. However, they do NOT interbreed in nature because one releases pollen in February and one in April. What is the

genetic isolating mechanism involved?
A) ecological isolation
B) temporal isolation
C) gametic isolation
D) hybrid inviability

Answer 1

Temporal isolation is the prezygotic barrier preventing Pious radiata and Pirms maricota from interbreeding in nature because of their distinct pollen release times. The correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The genetic isolating mechanism involved when two species of pine do not interbreed in nature due to different times of pollen release is known as temporal isolation.

This is a type of prezygotic barrier which prevents reproduction prior to the formation of a zygote by separating the reproductive times of species.

In the case of Pious radiata and Pirms maricota, since one releases pollen in February and the other in April, they cannot naturally produce hybrids despite being capable under laboratory conditions.