Reinforcement (in speciation) occurs when
- A
Hybrids are highly fit, so selection weakens reproductive barriers and parent species eventually merge
- Bcheck_circle
Hybrids are less fit, so selection strengthens pre-zygotic isolation between the two parent species
- C
Mutation rates rise in the contact zone, so post-zygotic isolation arises before any pre-zygotic barrier
- D
Geographic isolation increases over time, so pre-zygotic barriers strengthen without selection on hybrids
Explanation
Reinforcement = selection against hybrids strengthens barriers to interbreeding, completing speciation.