Question

A population of rabbits is living in a forest when a mudslide occurs. Some of the rabbits are trapped on one side of the mudslide, and the rest of the rabbits are trapped on the other. These two populations remain separated for hundreds of years. Which of the following is most likely true of the current populations? A. One population has become sterile and will soon go extinct. B. One population has evolved to be able to jump very high and climb trees. C. The two populations cannot produce fertile offspring with each other. D. The two populations have identical diets and mating behaviors.

Answer 1

C. The two populations cannot produce fertile offspring with each other.

Step-by-step explanation:

The separation of the rabbit populations for hundreds of years suggests that they have undergone genetic isolation and potential genetic divergence. Over time, genetic differences can accumulate between populations, leading to reproductive barriers that prevent or hinder successful interbreeding. This can result in the populations being unable to produce fertile offspring with each other, leading to reproductive isolation and the formation of separate species. Therefore, option C, stating that the two populations cannot produce fertile offspring with each other, is the most likely scenario.