Applying the biological species concept,the sterility of ligers reveals that ________.
A)a new species called "ligers" is forming
B)tigers and lions are actually the same species
C)tigers and lions are separate species
D)lions are probably a subspecies of tigers

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The biological species concept defines a species as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. The sterility of ligers (the hybrid offspring of lions and tigers) indicates that lions and tigers are separate species, as their hybrids are sterile and cannot produce viable offspring. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not account for the biological species concept's definition of speciation.

Applying the Biological Species Concept,the Sterility of Ligers Reveals That