The existence of __________ gene transfer complicates the application of the biological species concept to prokaryotes.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about a phenomenon that makes it difficult to apply the biological species concept to prokaryotes. The biological species concept defines a species as a group of organisms that can interbreed naturally to produce fertile offspring. Prokaryotes reproduce asexually and can exchange genetic material through horizontal gene transfer, which complicates defining species based on reproductive isolation.
Answer
Horizontal gene transfer.
The existence of horizontal gene transfer complicates the application of the biological species concept to prokaryotes.
Answer for screen readers
The existence of horizontal gene transfer complicates the application of the biological species concept to prokaryotes.
More Information
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is the transfer of genes between unrelated species. It is also known as lateral gene transfer.
Tips
HGT makes it difficult to define species in prokaryotes using the biological species concept, which relies on reproductive isolation.
Sources
- Horizontal Gene Transfer and the History of Life - PMC - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Horizontal gene transfer | Definition, Mechanisms, & Facts - Britannica - britannica.com
- 20.3 Perspectives on the Phylogenetic Tree - Biology for AP® Courses - openstax.org
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