Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which statement must be true of the individuals if two populations are no longer considered the same species?
A
Individuals from the two populations cannot interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
B
Individuals from the two populations share the same ecological niche.
C
Individuals from the two populations have identical physical characteristics.
D
Individuals from the two populations live in the same geographic area.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the biological species concept, which defines a species as a group of individuals that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
Recognize that reproductive isolation is a key factor in determining whether two populations are considered separate species. This means individuals from the two populations cannot interbreed successfully to produce fertile offspring.
Evaluate the other options provided in the problem. Sharing the same ecological niche, having identical physical characteristics, or living in the same geographic area are not definitive criteria for defining species under the biological species concept.
Consider examples of reproductive isolation mechanisms, such as prezygotic barriers (e.g., behavioral differences, temporal isolation) or postzygotic barriers (e.g., hybrid sterility), which prevent successful interbreeding.
Conclude that the correct statement is: 'Individuals from the two populations cannot interbreed to produce fertile offspring,' as this aligns with the biological species concept.