Final answer:
A postzygotic isolating mechanism occurs when two species can produce offspring, but these offspring do not survive or are sterile, leading to reproductive isolation and contributing to the process of speciation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When two species are able to breed with each other but their offspring quickly die, this is an example of a postzygotic isolating mechanism. In essence, postzygotic barriers take effect after a zygote has been formed. This can result from a variety of factors, such as genetic incompatibility or developmental problems, which lead to the inviability or sterility of the hybrid offspring. These barriers are a significant factor in the process of speciation, where they contribute to the reproductive isolation and eventual divergence of species.