THE ROLE OF TEMPORAL ISOLATION ON REPRODUCTIVE ISOLATION IN FUNDULUS GRANIDS AND F. HETEROCLITUS

Reproductive barriers are anything that exists in nature and can reduce gene flow between species. It can be physical, such as a geographical constraint, or it can be due to genetic differences that prohibit species from producing viable offspring. These can be either a prezygotic or postzygotic barrier. By studying the impacts of reproductive isolation on gene flow, scientists can grasp a better understanding of how species evole. The objective of the present stuy is to determine the seasonal reproductive cyclyes of two species of killifish in an area of overlap to determine its effect on reproductive isolation. For a year, monthly samples of thirty individuals will be sampled from Bing's Landing, which is one place in which these species overlap with very rare hybridization. With caudal fin clippings, genetic analysis will be performed to genotype species and identify specific alleles. A histological analysis will also be conducted using the Gonadosomatic Index along with Gamete Volume Fractions to estimate species reproductive timing. Each species' reproductive timing will be used to clarify the strength of temporal isolation on reproductive isolation. This study can provide a complete picture on speciation, which is a central concept of biological sciences.

Presentation Preference: Poster

Primary Presenter: Taj Nash, Hampton University (taj.nash@my.hamptonu.edu)

Authors:

Taj Nash, Hampton University  (taj.nash@my.hamptonu.edu)