Which of the following reproductive barriers actually prevents individual of different species from mating with each other ?

Options

A. Ecological isolation
B. Temporal isolation
C. Behavioral isolation
D. Gametic isolation

Answer

To solve the question regarding which reproductive barrier prevents individuals of different species from mating with each other, we can analyze the options provided: Ecological isolation, Temporal isolation, Behavioral isolation, and Gametic isolation.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Reproductive Barriers**:
- Reproductive barriers are mechanisms that prevent species from mating with one another. They can be classified into prezygotic and postzygotic barriers.
- Prezygotic barriers prevent mating or fertilization between species.

2. **Analyzing Ecological Isolation**:
- Ecological isolation occurs when two species live in different habitats and therefore do not meet.
- While this can prevent mating, it does not directly prevent individuals from mating if they were to encounter each other.

3. **Analyzing Temporal Isolation**:
- Temporal isolation occurs when two species breed at different times (e.g., different seasons or times of day).
- This directly prevents individuals from mating because they are not active or available to mate simultaneously.

4. **Analyzing Behavioral Isolation**:
- Behavioral isolation occurs when two species have different mating behaviors or rituals.
- Although this can prevent mating, it is not a physical barrier but rather a difference in behavior.

5. **Analyzing Gametic Isolation**:
- Gametic isolation occurs when the gametes (sperm and egg) of two species meet but do not fuse to form a zygote.
- This means that even if mating occurs, fertilization does not happen, but it does not prevent mating itself.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Among the options, **temporal isolation** is the reproductive barrier that actually prevents individuals of different species from mating with each other due to differences in breeding times.

### Final Answer:
The correct answer is **Temporal Isolation**.