A storm brings two formerly separated populations of beetles together. They look very similar. Under the biological species concept, which of the following would show that the two populations are different species?
A) When individuals from the two populations mate with each other in the laboratory, the eggs fail to hatch.
B) One population breeds in spring, the other in fall.
C) Males of the two populations have different flight patterns in courtship.
D) All of the above are correct.
E) None of the above are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option A demonstrates reproductive isolation, which is one of the criteria for determining different species under the biological species concept. Option B shows temporal isolation, where two populations breed at different times of the year, which further supports that they may be different species. Option C shows behavioral isolation, where male courtship behavior differs. Thus, all options (A, B, and C) are correct and provide evidence that the two beetle populations may be different species.

A Storm Brings Two Formerly Separated Populations of Beetles Together