For many years it has been suggested that sexual isolation caused by differences in mating behaviours is a precursor for reproductive isolation (lack of gene flow), and consequently speciation, in nature. Mate choice behaviours are thought to be important forces that can result in speciation events because the strength of selection for attractive traits is often very strong.
For an extended period, it has been hypothesized that sexual isolation due to variations in mating habits serves as a precursor to reproductive isolation (lack of gene flow) and ultimately results in speciation. Mate preference behaviors are considered significant forces capable of triggering speciation events because the strength of selection for attractive traits is usually very high.