Question

the northern red - legged frog, or rana aurora, is found along the western coast from british columbia to northern california. their typical breeding season lasts from january to march. the foothill yellow - legged frog, or rana boylii, is found along the western coast from northern oregon to central california. their typical breeding season lasts from april to july. what mechanism might keep rana aurora and rana boylii from mating?
○ anatomical isolation
○ temporal isolation
○ geographic isolation
○ behavioral isolation

Explanation:

• Temporal isolation occurs when species breed at different times. Here, Rana aurora breeds from January - March and Rana boylii from April - July. Their breeding seasons (temporal periods) do not overlap.
• Anatomical isolation is about physical incompatibilities in reproductive organs. There is no mention of such physical differences.
• Geographic isolation is about physical separation (like mountains, rivers). The frogs are in overlapping coastal regions (though some range differences, but key is breeding time).
• Behavioral isolation is about differences in mating behaviors (like courtship dances). No such behavioral differences are described.

Answer:

temporal isolation