Question

In a hypothetical situation, a certain species of flea feeds only on pronghorn antelopes. In rangelands of the western United States, pronghorns and cattle often associate with one another. If some of these fleas develop a strong preference for cattle blood and mate only with other fleas that prefer cattle blood, then over time which of these should occur, if the host mammal can be considered as the fleas' habitat?
1. reproductive isolation
2. sympatric speciation
3. habitat isolation
4. prezygotic barriers

Answer 1

Answer:

The problems of reproductive isolation and prezygotic barriers would occur in a few months after the development of the mentioned traits.

Explanation:

• Reproductive isolation: When the fleas would develop preferences in the choice of mates, there would arise a possibility of imbalance in the populations of fleas that reside in different habitats as the population of one would decrease and the other would increase.
• Prezygotic barriers: The development of preferences would result in the rate of reproduction going down possibly, as the fleas would find it difficult to find mates with similar preferences.