Question

Several factors can lead to speciation. Eastern and western meadowlarks are similar birds whose habitats overlap in the United States. They do not breed because they have different mating songs. Which term is used by evolutionary biologists to describe this phenomenon?
A)migration
B)genetic drift
C)behavioral isolation
D)geographic isolation

Answer 1

The correct answer is option C, that is, behavioral isolation.  

The phenomenon of behavioral isolation takes place when two populations possess the tendency of interbreeding, but exhibit distinctions in courtship rituals or other kinds of behavior. For example, the western and eastern meadowlarks are very identical birds whose habitat overlap in the middle of the United States.  

However, the members of the two species will not mate with each other, possibly as they use different songs in order to fascinate males. The eastern meadowlarks will not respond to the songs of western meadowlarks, and vice versa.  

Answer 2

Answer:

The answer is C) Behavioral Isolation

Explanation:

Behavioral isolation occurs when two populations are capable of interbreeding, but they have different behaviors that prevent them from breeding. In this case, the difference in mating songs caused behavioral isolation which led to speciation.