Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Prezygotic isolation is a mechanism that prevents different species from interbreeding and producing hybrid offspring. This occurs before the fertilization of eggs.
Related terms
Behavioral Isolation: A type of prezygotic barrier where two allopatric species do not mate because of differences in courtship behavior.
Temporal Isolation: A form of prezygotic barrier where two or more species reproduces at different times, thus preventing them from mating.
Mechanical Isolation: Another form of prezygotic barrier where mating is prevented due to physical incompatibility of reproductive parts.