A Harvard research team has identified a species of butterfly that shows more distinct characteristics between species members living in the same region than those living in different regions. The researchers believe that these distinctions are a means of preventing hybridization. Which evolutionary concept is supported by this research?

Reproductive isolation

Explanation:

Reproductive isolation is the lack of successful breeding between organisms of related species due to the existence of morphological, physiological, genetic or behavioural barriers.

Reproductive isolation mechanisms are classified into two:

Pre-zygotic mechanisms, and Post-zygotic mechanisms

The pre-zygotic mechanisms act to prevent breeding or formation of zygote between organisms of related species while the post-zygotic mechanisms act to ensure that aborted or infertile zygote results in cases where fertilization takes place.

The distinct characteristics observed in the species of butterfly can be viewed as a form of morphological reproductive isolation.