/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 11 Which is the best definition of ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 18: Problem 11

Which is the best definition of species? a. A group of individual organisms with significant genetic similarities b. a group of individual organisms with significant genetic similarities that share external and internal characteristics c. a group of individual organisms that interbreed d. a group of individual organisms that interbreed and produce viable, fertile offspring

Short Answer

Expert verified
The best definition of species is option d.

Step by step solution

01

Reading all options

Read through all the options carefully to understand what each definition is suggesting.
02

Understanding common definitions

Understand the basic concept of species - a fundamental category of biological classification.
03

Examine viable traits

Consider the ability of organisms in a group to interbreed and produce fertile offspring as an important criterion for defining a species.
04

Eliminate Improbable Options

Eliminate options that do not address interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. Therefore, a and b are out since they do not mention offspring, and c is out since it does not mention if offspring are fertile.
05

Choosing the Best Option

Select option d, which defines species as a group of individual organisms that interbreed and produce viable, fertile offspring, aligning with the Biological Species Concept.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Biological Species Concept
The Biological Species Concept is a way to define species based on their ability to interbreed. It was popularized by the evolutionary biologist Ernst Mayr in the 20th century. This concept suggests that a species is a group of organisms that can mate with each other to produce viable, fertile offspring. This helps in distinguishing between species based on reproductive isolation rather than physical traits alone. Understanding this concept is crucial for identifying and categorizing different species in the biological world.
Interbreeding
Interbreeding is the process where individuals from the same species mate to produce offspring. This is a key component of the Biological Species Concept. If two organisms can successfully mate and produce offspring that are capable of growing and reproducing, they are considered to belong to the same species. Interbreeding ensures the transfer of genetic information across generations, maintaining the species' genetic identity.
Fertile Offspring
Fertile offspring are the result of successful interbreeding between individuals of the same species. For an offspring to be considered fertile, it must be able to reproduce and generate its own viable offspring. This criterion is important because it ensures the continuity of the species. A species' ability to produce fertile offspring is what maintains its genetic lineage and allows it to persist over time. If offspring are not fertile, the genetic lineage would eventually break down, leading to the potential extinction of that species.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Given your understanding of evolutionary theory and the relationship between evolution and the genetic makeup of populations, which statement is false? a. Homologous characteristics that have evolved more recently are shared only within smaller groups of organisms. b. The genetic code is a homologous characteristic shared by all species because they share a common ancestor in the deep past. c. DNA sequence data would likely support any evolutionary tree drawn from anatomical data sets. d. The degree of relatedness between groups of organisms is only sometimes reflected in the similarity of their DNA sequences.

The process of mutation, which generates genetic variation, is random. Thus, life has evolved, and continues to evolve, randomly. Which statement is an appropriately evidence-based refinement of the above? a. The process of mutation, which generates genetic variation, is random. However, the process of natural selection, which results in adaptations like the fit between a flower and its pollinator, favors variants which are better able to survive and reproduce. Natural selection is not random, so the overall process of evolution is not random, either. b. The process of mutation, which generates genetic variation, is random. However, the process of migration, which results in gene flow between populations, also generates genetic variation. Migration is not random, so the overall process of evolution is not random, either. c. The process of mutation, which generates genetic variation, is random. However, the process of sexual reproduction, which also introduces genetic variance, is not random. Because sexual reproduction is not random, the overall process of evolution is not random, either. d. The process of mutation, which generates genetic variation, is random. Whether mutations have a positive, negative, or neutral effect in terms of selective advantage is also random. Mutations and their effects are random, so the overall process of evolution is random.

What are homologous structures? a. physical structures that have no apparent function b. parallel structures in diverse organisms c. physical structures that are used only occasionally d. similar structures in diverse organisms

What pattern in the fossil record would you expect to see to support the model of gradual speciation? How would you expect this pattern to differ from a pattern in the fossil record that supports the model of punctuated equilibrium? Explain. a. In the case of gradual speciation, the fossil record would show only a few hybrid individuals, followed by individuals of the two distinct species. For the case of punctuated equilibrium, the fossil record would show many hybrid individuals persisting through several geological layers. b. In the case of gradual speciation, the fossil record would show the parent species in a single location, such that the newly diverged species remained in contact with each other. For the case of punctuated equilibrium, the fossil record would show a geographic divide within the parent species that caused it to diverge into multiple new species. c. In the case of gradual speciation, the fossil record would show many intermediate forms. For the case of punctuated equilibrium, the fossil record would show new forms that persist essentially unchanged through several geological layers, then disappear just as a new form appears. d. Gradual speciation would be undetectable in the fossil record. For the case of punctuated equilibrium, the fossil record would show a steady progression of distinct forms.

Which of the following statements is false? a. Graudal speciation and punctuated equilibrium both result in the divergence of species. b. Punctuated equilibrium is most likely to occur in a large population in a stable environment. c. In the punctuated equilibrium model, gradualism is not excluded. d. In the gradual speciation model, traits change incrementally
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Ecosystems

Read Explanation

Astrobiological Science

Read Explanation

Communicable Diseases

Read Explanation

Biology Experiments

Read Explanation

Ecology

Read Explanation

Bioenergetics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.