Question

In recent years, there has been controversy among biologists about whether Neanderthals should be placed within the same species as modern humans or into a separate species of their own. Most DNA sequence data analyzed at this point indicated that there was probably little or no gene flow between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. Which species concept is most applicable in this example?

Answer 1

The biological species concept, focusing on reproductive isolation and interbreeding, appears relevant when considering the genetic relationship between Neanderthals and modern humans. However, evidence of gene flow suggests a more nuanced view, complicating a strict definition based on reproductive isolation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question revolves around which species concept is most applicable when discussing the relationship between Neanderthals, Denisovans, and modern humans (Homo sapiens). The biological species concept, which defines species based on the ability to interbreed and produce fertile offspring, is relevant here. However, the evidence suggests that gene flow did occur among these groups, complicating the strict application of this definition.

DNA analysis indicates that modern humans have between 1 to 4 percent Neanderthal DNA, and some individuals also have Denisovan DNA. This gene flow is evidence of interbreeding among these Homo species. The presence of Neanderthal DNA in modern humans challenges the notion of Neanderthals being a completely separate species, suggesting that they may have been absorbed by the Homo sapiens population.

Answer 2

The correct answer would be - biological species concept.

Step-by-step explanation:

The biological species concept is a concept of speciation or how a species forms in nature. According to this, a species is the group of the population that can naturally or potentially interbreed with each other, not on the basis of their physical similarities or habitats.

The physical appearance could be useful as recognizing a species but not defining it. As neanderthals show very little or no gene flow with a modern human it means they do not belong to the same species as modern homo sapiens.

Thus, the correct answer is- biological species concept.