Two populations of the same species over time grow distant from one another. At what point will these two populations be considered different species?

Correct answer: D. When they are no longer able to interbreed

  • A. When the populations begin to eat different foods
  • B. When there is a physical barrier, such as a river, between the two populations
  • C. When the two populations have not been in contact with one another for two hundred years
  • D. When they are no longer able to interbreed

Explanation

Speciation is defined by the biological concept of species, which states that species are groups of interbreeding natural populations that are reproductively isolated from other such groups. Therefore, two populations become distinct species when they can no longer interbreed, not merely because of different diets, physical separations, or long periods of isolation. The correct option (D) highlights the importance of reproductive isolation, which is a key element in the process of speciation. Other options fail to address this crucial factor and are therefore incorrect.

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Evolution describes heritable change in populations over generations through variation, natural selection and adaptation. Lamarckism explains inheritance of acquired characteristics, while Darwinism explains selection of favourable inherited variations; these historical explanations must not be confused with the modern genetic account of evolutionary change.

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