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Some say the biological species concept overemphasizes __________ _______ and downplays the role of _______ _______.

Option 1: Genetic variation; ecological factors
Option 2: Reproductive isolation; geographical isolation
Option 3: Phenotypic traits; habitat adaptation
Option 4: Speciation events; species diversity

User Zeromus
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Final answer:

The biological species concept is criticized for focusing too much on reproductive isolation, while minimizing the importance of geographical isolation and ecological factors in species differentiation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The biological species concept overemphasizes reproductive isolation and downplays the role of geographical isolation. The biological species concept defines species as groups of actually or potentially interbreeding natural populations that are reproductively isolated from other such groups. However, it does not account for the full complexity of speciation, particularly the role that geographical isolation may play in the emergence of new species. Reproductive isolation is critical as it prevents gene flow between different species, maintaining species' boundaries, but geographical isolation can lead to reproductive isolation over time by physically separating populations. Additionally, ecological factors, such as adaptation to different environments, play an essential role in maintaining species boundaries and driving speciation.

User Klogd
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