MCAT Biology Question 176: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 176

11. At what point are two populations descended from the same ancestral stock considered to be separate species?

  • A. When they can no longer produce viable, fertile offspring.
  • B. When they look significantly different from each other.
  • C. When they can interbreed successfully and produce offspring.
  • D. When their habitats are separated by a significantly large distance so that they cannot meet.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

A species is defined as the largest group of organisms that can interbreed to produce viable, fertile offspring. Therefore, two populations are considered separate species when they can no longer do so.

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