Question

The basic unit of animal population which is communal interbreeding, in a species is known as

• A. Cline
• B. Sub-species
• C. Sibling species
• D. Deme

Answer 1

The correct option is D Deme

Deme is the basic unit of the animal population, where the individuals can interbreed among themselves. It consists of two or more subspecies which can interbreed amongst itself. It shares its own distinct genetic pool. In isolation, the demes turn into distinct species or subspecies.

Cline was coined by Julian Huxley in 1938. It is a biocommunity which shows a continuous gradient of variation. It shows a gradual phenotypic and genetic differences over a geographical area.

Subspecies is a population within a species that forms its own group and takes on some new characteristics. It is a taxonomic rank below species.

Sibling species are two or more related species that are morphologically nearly identical but are incapable of producing fertile hybrids.

So, the correct answer is option D.