Chapter 17, Problem 1MC

The biological species concept is difficult or impossible to apply to

a. asexually reproducing organisms.

b. large organisms.

c. rapidly evolving organisms.

d. plants.

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

According to biologists, biological species are the group of populations, which can interbreed naturally and are reproductively isolated from different groups of the different populations. A species is different from another species due to genetic divergence and isolation. Individuals of a species share the same gene pool.

Answer to Problem 1MC

Correct answer:

The biological species concept is difficult or impossible to apply to asexually reproducing organisms.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation for the correct answer:

Option (a) is given that the biological species concept is difficult or impossible to apply to asexually reproducing organisms. The organisms, which reproduce asexually, usually clone themselves. Gene exchange does not occur in these organisms. Biological species concept works by using genetic information that is usually exchanged during sexual reproduction. Hence, option (a) is correct.

Explanation for incorrect answers:

Option (b) is given that the biological species concept is difficult or impossible to apply to large organisms. Large organisms usually reproduce sexually and exchange genes to the next generation. The gene flow helps the species concept to identify the species. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (c) is given that the biological species concept is difficult or impossible to apply to rapidly evolving organisms. Evolution of organisms occurs due to genetic divergence. Biological species concept can identify the organisms by investigating the gene pool and gene flow among the species. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (d) is given that the biological species concept is difficult or impossible to apply to plants. Some plants reproduce sexually and can be identified by species concept. Some plants reproduce by budding that is asexual. In this case, species concept will not work, but in the given option general plant is given. So, it is an incorrect option.

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

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that the biological species concept is difficult or impossible to apply to asexually reproducing organisms. Asexual reproduction does not involve gene exchange, which is the important requirement of species concept.