reproductive isolation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic, Scientific, Technical
Quick answer
What does “reproductive isolation” mean?
The set of mechanisms that prevent members of different species from producing viable, fertile offspring with one another, thereby keeping species distinct.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The set of mechanisms that prevent members of different species from producing viable, fertile offspring with one another, thereby keeping species distinct.
In a broader biological or metaphorical sense, any process or barrier that prevents successful interbreeding or genetic exchange between populations. It can also be used conceptually in social sciences to discuss barriers to cultural or ideological exchange.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows respective conventions (e.g., 'behavioural' vs 'behavioral isolation' as a subtype).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both variants.
Frequency
Equally frequent in biological academic texts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “reproductive isolation” in a Sentence
Reproductive isolation [verb: occurs, develops, arises, breaks down] between X and Y.Reproductive isolation [verb: leads to, results in] speciation.X [verb: causes, maintains, reinforces] reproductive isolation.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reproductive isolation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The populations began to reproductively isolate due to differing mating seasons.
- Several factors can reproductively isolate closely related species.
American English
- The two frog species became reproductively isolated after the river changed course.
- Pollinator preference effectively reproductively isolates these plants.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard; 'reproductively' is used with 'isolated']
American English
- [Not standard; 'reproductively' is used with 'isolated']
adjective
British English
- The reproductive isolation mechanisms are complex.
- They studied the reproductive isolation barriers in depth.
American English
- Strong reproductive isolation barriers exist.
- The reproductive isolation process took millennia.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially metaphorical: 'Reproductive isolation of ideas stifles innovation in the department.'
Academic
Primary usage. Core concept in evolutionary biology and ecology.
Everyday
Very rare. Would only be used in educated discussion about evolution.
Technical
Standard term in biology, genetics, and conservation science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reproductive isolation”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reproductive isolation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reproductive isolation”
- Using as a plural countable noun (*'reproductive isolations').
- Confusing it with 'geographic isolation', which is one potential cause.
- Using 'reproductively isolated' as an adjective but forgetting the '-ly' adverb form: 'The species are reproductively isolated.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is the process that leads to speciation. Speciation is the formation of new species, and reproductive isolation is the set of barriers that make it possible by preventing gene flow.
Prezygotic isolation (barriers that prevent mating or fertilization, e.g., different habitats, mating times, or behaviours) and postzygotic isolation (barriers that occur after fertilization, e.g., hybrid inviability or sterility).
Yes, partial reproductive isolation is common, especially in recently diverged species. Some hybrid offspring may be produced but with reduced fitness, keeping the gene pools mostly separate.
It is often considered a precursor or a form of prezygotic isolation. If populations are physically separated, they cannot interbreed, which is a barrier to reproduction. However, some classifications treat it separately as a cause of reproductive isolation.
The set of mechanisms that prevent members of different species from producing viable, fertile offspring with one another, thereby keeping species distinct.
Reproductive isolation is usually academic, scientific, technical in register.
Reproductive isolation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriː.prəˈdʌk.tɪv ˌaɪ.səˈleɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌri.prəˈdʌk.tɪv ˌaɪ.səˈleɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: REPRODUCTIVE = making babies, ISOLATION = kept apart. So, it's what keeps baby-making within a species.
Conceptual Metaphor
BARRIERS / WALLS (preventing mixing), FILTERS (blocking gene flow), LOCK AND KEY (specific compatibility required).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a form of reproductive isolation?