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Which of the following is the correct hierarchy of the population concept?

A) local population < metapopulation < subspecies < species
B) metapopulation < local population < subspecies < species
C) local population < metapopulation < species < subspecies
D) metapopulation < local population < species < subspecies

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The hierarchy from the most inclusive to the least complex level is 'local population < metapopulation < species < subspecies', reflecting the organization from specific localized groups to broader classifications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct hierarchy of the population concept from the most inclusive to the least complex level is local population < metapopulation < species < subspecies. A local population is a group of individuals of a species that live in a specific area and have limited gene flow with other such groups. A metapopulation consists of a group of spatially separated populations of the same species which may exchange individuals through migration or emigration. Species, then, is a group of similar organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring, and subspecies are a further division within a species that have noticeable morphological or genetic differences.

User Andre Wildberg
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