Chapter 17, Problem 14A

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

It is not easy to define a species. Organisms that are different species according to one definition might be same species according to different definition. Definitions change as knowledge increases. The concept of species today is much different from what it was 100 years ago. There are three main species concepts.

Answer to Problem 14A

Correct answer:

The correct answer is option B. biological species concept

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option B. biological species concept− This concept is based on the similar characteristics and the ability to interbreed and produce fertile offspring. It was proposed by Theodosius Dobzhansky and Ernst Mayr. So the organisms that are able to reproduce successfully in the wild are defined as species as per this concept. Hence this is the correct option.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option A. typological species concept − This concept was given by Aristotle and Linnaeus. They considered species as a distinctly different group of organisms based on physical similarities. The organisms that are able to reproduce successfully in the wild are defined as species as per biological species concept.

Hence this is not the correct option.

Option C. evolutionary species concept- The organisms that are able to reproduce successfully in the wild are defined as species as per biological species concept and not evolutionary species concept. Hence this is not the correct option.

Option D. phylogenetic species concept − This classification is based on evolutionary history of organisms. It defines species in terms of populations and ancestry. The organisms that are able to reproduce successfully in the wild are defined as species as per biological species concept.

Hence this is not the correct option.