Question

Eggplant and potato belong to the same genus Solanum, but to two different species. What defines them as separate species?

Answer 1

Solanum melongena and Solanum tuberosum.

1. Eggplant and potato belong to the same genus Solanum, but belong to different species namely Solanum melongena and Solanum tuberosum.
2. The main criterion for defining two different species is that they cannot cross-reproduce or interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
3. Potatoes and eggplants cannot crossbreed with each other, so they are identified as different species.
4. So, brinjal and potato can be described as two different species based on:

1. Their morphological differences.
2. Their reproductive isolation i.e., inability to crossbreed.