Question

According to the biological species concept, which of the following statements is not correct?

• A. To be considered a species, a population must be reproductively isolated from other species.
• B. For a new species to arise, it must be geographically isolated from its parent species for long periods of time.
• C. Organisms that are phenotypically identical yet have distinct mating behavior are considered distinct species since they do not naturally interbreed.
• D. Organisms that can interbreed and produce sterile offspring are considered distinct species.

Answer 1

The correct option is A To be considered a species, a population must be reproductively isolated from other species.

1. For a population to be considered species, they should be closely related organisms that are very similar to each other and are capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. Geographical isolation from other species is not required.

2. Geographic isolation is a common way for the process of speciation to begin. Rivers change course, mountains rise, continents drift, organisms migrate, and what was once a continuous population is divided into two or more smaller populations.

3. Phenotypical similarities are not required for two populations to be considered same species, interbreeding between them is necessary.

4. According to Ernst Mayer biological definition of species, organisms that can interbreed and produce sterile offspring are considered distinct species.

So, the correct option is 'To be considered a species, a population must be reproductively isolated from other species'.