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Why are emperor penguins considered a species?

They all look alike.
They can mate and produce offspring that can mate and produce offspring.
They can mate and produce offspring that cannot mate.
They all walk in a similar manner.

User Onovar
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1 Answer

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Answer:

They can mate and produce offspring that (are fertile) can mate and produce offspring.

Step-by-step explanation:

A species is defined as a group of similar organisms which are capable of sharing genetic material and interbreeding in nature to produce fertile offspring (offspring which can also reproduce). Emperor penguins are considered a species, because they are able to reproduce to create fertile offspring and continue the spread of their genetic material.

Some rare organisms such as Ligers (Tiger+ Lion) and Mules (Horse + Donkey) Exist and are able to be produced, however, they lack reproductive abilities, so they are not considered a true species.

User Chris Klepeis
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