4
QuizMultiple Choice

Biogeographic Isolation — Quiz

Question 4 • Biology

The northern red-legged frog, or Rana aurora , is found along the western coast from British Columbia to Northern California. Their typical breeding season lasts from January to March. The foothill yellow-legged frog, or Rana boylii , is found along the western coast from northern Oregon to central California. Their typical breeding season lasts from April to July. What mechanism might keep Rana aurora and Rana boylii from mating?

Answer
A
geographic isolation
B
temporal isolation
C
anatomical isolation
D
behavioral isolation

Explanation

The frogs’ breeding seasons occur at different times: Rana aurora breeds from January to March, while Rana boylii breeds from April to July. This timing difference can prevent them from mating, a mechanism called temporal isolation. Their ranges overlap along parts of the western coast, so geographic isolation is not the best explanation.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

Previous
Next