Biology: Concepts and Investigations
Biology: Concepts and Investigations
5th Edition
ISBN: 9781260259049
Author: Hoefnagels
Publisher: MCG
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 14, Problem 1MCQ

The biological species concept defines species based on

a. external appearance.

b. the number of adaptations to the same habitat.

c. ability to interbreed.

d. DNA and protein sequences.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The biological species is defined as a population, or group of populations, the members of which can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. The formation of new species or speciation occurs when the members of a population are no longer successful in interbreeding with the rest of the group.

Answer to Problem 1MCQ

Correct answer:

The biological species concept defines species based on the ability to breed. Therefore, option (c) is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct statement:

Ernst Mayr, the Harvard biologist defines a biological species as a population, whose members can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Option (c) is given as “ability to interbreed”.

As, “the biological species defines the species based on ability to interbreed” is the right answer.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Reason for the incorrect statements:

Option (a), is given as “external appearance”.

On the basis of external appearance the biological species cannot be defined as the organisms which belong to different groups of species are looks alike in external appearance. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (b), is given as “the number of adaptations to the same habitat”.

On the basis of the number of adaptations to the same habitat a biological species cannot be defined as the adaptations may vary even in same groups of organisms in the same habitat. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (d), is given as “DNA and protein sequences”.

On the basis of DNA and protein sequences a biological species cannot be defined as the genetic sequences present some ambiguity because they cannot reveal whether genetically similar organisms currently share a gene pool. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Therefore, the concept of biological species defines a species based on the ability to breed.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
The biological species concept emphasizes whether populations   a. look the same.   b. have similar biochemical pathways.   c. can have gene flow between them.   d. share common ancestry.   e. have similar ecological requirements.
Of the following taxonomic categories which is the most inclusive (i.e. is the highest in hierarchy)? A. Order B. Subspecies C. Class D. Genus
4) The Biological Species Concept classifies a species based on a.the role the organism plays in the environment. b.reproductive characteristics c.both morphological characteristics and reproductive isolation. d.genetic relationships between an organism and its ancestor. e.morphological characteristics
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
Biology
ISBN:9781305967359
Author:STARR
Publisher:CENGAGE L
Ecology: Interspecific and Intraspecific Interactions | Ecology & Environment | Biology | FuseSchool; Author: FuseSchool - Global Education;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiQTrA0-TE8;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY