COURTSHIP AND MATING BEHAVIOR AS A REPRODUCTIVE ISOLATING MECHANISM INDROSOPHILA
- 1 May 1964
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in American Zoologist
- Vol. 4 (2) , 147-153
- https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/4.2.147
Abstract
Species are genetically closed systems because the gene exchange between them is impeded or prevented by reproductive isolating mechanisms. The term "isolating mechanism** was proposed by Dobzhansky in 1937 as a common name for all genetically conditioned barriers to gene exchange between sexually reproducing populations. Ethological or sexual isolation is a premating isolating mechanism wherein potential mates meet but do not mate. Drosophila.paulistorum Is a superspecies composed of 6 races or incipient species. These 7 may be considered either as distinct races or as closely related species. Each race inhabits a geographic area different from the others, but the areas of some of the races overlap. Where 2 or more "races" share a common territory they apparently do not interbreed, and thus behave like full-fledged species. The transitional race and transitional strains yield fertile hybrids with some other races. The possibility of gene flow between the incipient species is, therefore, not excluded although it is questionable whether it is actually taking place.Keywords
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