Origin and Evolution of Life — BIOLOGY STD 12 Science — Question

2. They prevent the genetic exchange and gene flow.

3. Due to isolating mechanisms in nature the divergence among organisms takes place gradually leading to speciation. The isolating mechanisms are of two types namely, geographical isolation and reproductive isolation.

I. Geographical Isolation : The barrier in the form of physical distance or geographical barrier is called geographical isolation. The original population gets divided into two or more groups by geographical barriers such as river, ocean, mountain, glacier, etc. Organisms cannot cross the barriers on their own and hence interbreeding is prevented between isolated groups.

The separated groups experience different environmental factors and they acquire new traits by mutations. The separated populations develop distinct gene pool and they do not interbreed. Each subgroup then evolves differently which results into formation of new species. E.g. Darwin’s Finches, African elephant, Loxodonta and Indian elephant, Elephas.

II. Reproductive Isolation : Two populations may be occupying the same area, they may not be separated by geographical barrier, but then also they are reproductively isolated. Such reproductive isolation occurs due to change in genetic material, gene pool and structure of genital organs. Such differences prevent interbreeding between population. Such isolation later leads to speciation.

III. Different types of reproductive isolations : Reproductive isolation is of two types, viz. pre-zygotic and post-zygotic isolating mechanisms.

1. Pre-zygotic or pre-mating isolating mechanisms do not allow individuals to mate with each other at all.
2. By various mechanisms the two groups remain isolated.
3. In post-zygotic or post-mating isolating mechanisms, the two individuals can mate but the result of mating is not favourable.
4. Thus the populations remain isolated without the actual genetic exchange.