Question

When populations of closely related pied flycatchers and collared flycatchers live in different geographic areas, the males of both species look a lot alike. However, when populations of the two species share a common geographic area, there are significant differences in the appearance of the two species. What conclusions might you draw from this situation? (ebook Module 14.10)A. Even though the colors of the males of the two species are very similar in the geographically isolated populations, you would expect that when researchers performed mate-choice experiments, females would never chose males from the wrong species.B. This is a case of random variation within the population.C. This is a case where hybrid offspring of the two species are less fit than either of the parent species. In the geographic areas where the populations overlap, natural selection has reinforced color differences that serve as reproductive barriers between the two species.D. Hybrid offspring of the two species are more fit than either of the parent species. Eventually the two hybridizing species will fuse into one.

Answer 1

C. This is a case where hybrid offspring of the two species are less fit than either of the parent species. In the geographic areas where the populations overlap, natural selection has reinforced color differences that serve as reproductive barriers between the two species.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nature has developed certain reproductive barriers or mechanisms of reproductive isolation. These occur to prevent members of different species from mating and producing offspring or to make sure that the offspring are sterile.