Two populations of lizards live in the same area.Which of the following evidence would convince you that they are two distinct species?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The inability to interbreed and produce fertile offspring is generally considered to be the most important criterion to classify two populations as separate species. This indicates that there are reproductive barriers between the populations, which prevent gene flow and result in genetic divergence over time. Therefore, option C is the best evidence to suggest that the two populations are distinct species. Options A and B only suggest phenotypic differences, which are not always indicative of separate species. Option D suggests that there is some level of genetic compatibility between the populations, which would not support their classification as two distinct species.

Two Populations of Lizards Live in the Same Area