Chapter 21.3, Problem 8SAQ

Summary Introduction

To describe:

How genetic divergence and reproductive isolation are related to each other.

Introduction:

Genetic divergence involves the genetic changes that occur in ancestral species with time and individuals in a population are reproductively isolated from each other. Reproductive isolation is a process in which different species live in same area but the individuals of population are prevented from inbreeding. It involves a collection evolutionary mechanisms, behaviors and physiological processes that are responsible for speciation.

Explanation of Solution

Genetic divergence is defined as process which occurs when two or more populations of ancestral species are accumulated independently. It causes genetic changes with time after the individuals in a population are reproductively isolated for some time. Reproductive isolation refers to the inability of species of organism to breed.

As it prevents the members of different species to reproduce and if reproduction occurs then the offspring’s are sterile. Reproductive isolation involves the pre-zygotic and post-zygotic barriers. Reproductive isolation and genetic divergence occurs in ecological system to cause speciation. Both the process is a result of small mutation during the evolutionary period.

Conclusion

Genetic divergence and reproductive isolation is a result of mutation in small portion of nucleotide sequences and which causes change in genetic material. The change is genetic material is responsible for the process of speciation.