18 Questions
What fascinates biologists about speciation?
The number of new species produced
How does speciation help explain the unity of life?
By producing similar characteristics in species descended from a common ancestor
What does DNA sequence similarity between species indicate?
Closely related species
Which concept emphasizes reproductive isolation as a key aspect of defining species?
Biological species concept
How does speciation connect microevolution and macroevolution?
By forming a bridge between changes in populations and evolution above the species level
What reveals factors that cause reproductive isolation?
Hybrid zones
What keeps the gene pool of a species together, causing its members to resemble each other more than members of other species?
Gene flow
Why are humans and chimpanzees considered distinct biological species?
Their differences prevent interbreeding successfully.
What is the main factor that distinguishes the eastern meadowlark (Sturnella magna) from the western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) as distinct species?
Diverse behaviors preventing interbreeding
What defines humans as a single biological species despite their diverse appearances?
Capacity to interbreed successfully
Why is it unlikely for a businesswoman in Manhattan to mate with a dairy farmer in Mongolia?
Diverse behaviors preventing interbreeding
What prevents humans and chimpanzees from interbreeding successfully even if they live in the same region?
'Behavioral differences'
What does the biological species concept emphasize?
Reproductive isolation
According to the biological species concept, what defines a species?
Potential to interbreed and produce viable, fertile offspring
Why do biologists compare not only morphology but also physiology, biochemistry, and DNA sequences of organisms?
To confirm differences in various aspects
How are members of a biological species united according to the concept?
By being potentially able to interbreed and produce fertile offspring
What is the primary definition of species used in the textbook?
Biological species concept
Why do morphologically distinct species confirm their classification as discrete groups?
Because they differ in various ways besides body form
Explore the concept of speciation and its role in producing the diversity of life on Earth, as well as explaining the shared characteristics among organisms. Understand how the splitting of one species into two can lead to the emergence of new species with common ancestors.
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