Which of these barriers is likely to prevent a fertilized egg from developing?

The option indicating hybrid inviability is the most relevant in the context of preventing a fertilized egg from developing. Hybrid inviability refers to a situation where the hybrid offspring of two different species are unable to develop properly, often resulting in early death during embryonic development or shortly after birth. This phenomenon occurs due to genetic incompatibilities between the parent species, which can lead to developmental issues that prevent the fertilized egg from maturing into a viable organism.

In this case, the fertilized egg may undergo initial stages of development but fails to progress to a stage where it can survive independently. The genetic material from the two parent species might not function effectively together, leading to serious developmental flaws that inhibit the normal growth process.

Understanding this concept is crucial for appreciating how reproductive barriers affect species interactions and evolution, particularly in hybrid scenarios where genetic differences play a significant role in the viability of offspring. This emphasizes the importance of genetic compatibility in successful reproduction and the eventual development of healthy organisms.