If H. floresiensis were reunited with H. erectus at a much later date but the two populations could no longer interbreed, it would be correct to conclude that
A) H. floresiensis is no longer fertile as a species.
B) the two groups had been isolated for more than 50,000 years.
C) H. floresiensis has become less fit than H. erectus.
D) a reproductive barrier had evolved.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that the two populations can no longer interbreed suggests that a reproductive barrier has evolved, which prevents them from producing viable offspring. This may have resulted from genetic differences that accumulated during the long period of isolation. It does not necessarily mean that H. floresiensis is no longer fertile as a species or that it has become less fit than H. erectus, as these factors depend on other factors such as environmental changes and natural selection.

If H Floresiensis Were Reunited with H