[Campbell Biology P.558] A new species of fish is discovered where mating attempts with a cl... | Practice Question

A new species of fish is discovered where mating attempts with a closely related species result in fertilized eggs, but the embryos fail to develop beyond a very early stage. This scenario best illustrates which reproductive barrier?

  • A: Gametic Isolation
  • B: Reduced Hybrid Viability
  • C: Reduced Hybrid Fertility
  • D: Hybrid Breakdown

Explanation

Reduced Hybrid Viability occurs when the genes of different parent species interact in ways that impair the hybrid's development or survival in its environment. The failure of the embryos to develop beyond an early stage directly fits this definition.