Kameda et al. (2007) proposed a possible example of reinforcement involving two

Question

Kameda et al. (2007) proposed a possible example of reinforcement involving two species of land snails on Okinawa. The two species had very similar penis lengths (18-20 mm) in locations where they were allopatric. In all six sites sampled where the snails were sympatric, penis length of the two snails had diverged. In these sympatric sites, the snail S. eucosima had a penis length 10-15 mm, while the snail S. largillierti had a penis length of 20-25 mm. If this evolved as a result of reinforcement, what conditions or processes would have had to exist in order to generate this pattern?

Explanation / Answer

Reproductive isolation could be a cause for two distinct populations to interbreed and still producing a fertile offspring. Reproductive isolation develops by different means like behavioral isolation, geographic isolation and temporal isolation. The divergence in penis length among snail species evolved as a result of reinforcement caused them reproductively isolated with varying penis lengths (S. eucosima had a penis length 10-15 mm, while the snail S. largillierti had a penis length of 20-25 mm). The process involved in genital diversity of varying lengths of penis can be attributed to prezygotic reproductive barrier of reproductive isolation.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse K
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.