Question

If genetic studies reveal that a population has genetic sequences in common with two closely related species but has no unique sequences of its own, then:

A) it should be considered a hybrid of the two species.
B) it should be assigned separate species status.
C) it should be assigned to the species with which it shares more sequences.
D) all three should be assigned to the same species.
E) all three should be considered subspecies within the same species.

Answer 1

The correct option is B. If a population has genetic sequences in common with two closely related species but no unique sequences of its own, it should be assigned separate species status.

Step-by-step explanation:

If genetic studies reveal that a population has genetic sequences in common with two closely related species but has no unique sequences of its own, then the correct response is Option B: it should be assigned separate species status.

This is because species are typically defined as groups of organisms that have distinct genetic characteristics that set them apart from other species. In this case, if the population shares genetic sequences with two closely related species but has no unique sequences, it suggests that it does not possess distinct genetic characteristics and therefore should not be considered a hybrid or part of the same species as the other two species.