Which of the following best describes the difference between a deme and a subspecies?
A) A deme is a single population, while a subspecies may include multiple populations.
B) The term deme describes the phenotypes of a population, subspecies describes the genotypes.
C) A subspecies contains a single population, while a deme may include multiple populations.
D) There is no difference between a deme and a subspecies.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A deme refers to a local population of organisms that interbreed and exchange genes, while a subspecies is a taxonomic rank below a species, consisting of distinct populations within a species that have evolved unique characteristics. Therefore, a deme may include multiple populations that exchange genes, whereas a subspecies typically refers to a single population that is geographically isolated and has evolved distinctive traits. Thus, option A is the best description of the difference between a deme and a subspecies.

Which of the Following Best Describes the Difference Between a Deme