reproductive isolation

noun

1. the conditions, as physiological or behavioral differences or geographical barriers, that prevent potentially interbreeding populations from cross-fertilization.

Word History and Origins

Origin of reproductive isolation¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Going that extra mile to find the right species might make crossbreeding less likely, but also encourages reproductive isolation.

From Science News

There, in British Columbia, reproductive isolation is not complete and occasional populations of intergrades occur.

From Project Gutenberg

We postulate that these differences evolved to support the reproductive isolation of the sympatric species.

From Project Gutenberg

Probably the Marquesas population is tending toward complete reproductive isolation.

From Project Gutenberg