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Multiple Choice
Under which of the following conditions can we conclude that speciation has occurred in *Uta stansburiana*?
A
Two populations of *Uta stansburiana* can no longer interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
B
Two populations of *Uta stansburiana* occupy different habitats but still interbreed occasionally.
C
Two populations of *Uta stansburiana* migrate at different times of the year but share the same gene pool.
D
Two populations of *Uta stansburiana* show different coloration but have no reproductive barriers.
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of speciation: Speciation occurs when populations of the same species become reproductively isolated, meaning they can no longer interbreed to produce fertile offspring. This is a key criterion for defining separate species under the biological species concept.
Analyze the first condition: If two populations of *Uta stansburiana* can no longer interbreed to produce fertile offspring, this indicates reproductive isolation, which is a definitive sign of speciation.
Evaluate the second condition: If two populations occupy different habitats but still interbreed occasionally, they are not reproductively isolated. Occasional interbreeding means they still share a gene pool, so speciation has not occurred.
Evaluate the third condition: If two populations migrate at different times of the year but share the same gene pool, this suggests temporal isolation might be developing. However, as long as they share a gene pool and can interbreed, speciation has not yet occurred.
Evaluate the fourth condition: If two populations show different coloration but have no reproductive barriers, this is an example of phenotypic variation within the same species. Without reproductive isolation, speciation has not occurred.