What conclusion can be made about the interbreeding of the Kaibab and Abert squirrels if they were introduced?
Responses
A The two species are not attracted to one another anymore.The two species are not attracted to one another anymore.
B The two species can breed and all offspring will be Abert species.The two species can breed and all offspring will be Abert species.
C The two species of squirrel can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.The two species of squirrel can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
D The two species of squirrel will no longer be able to interbreed and produce fertile offspring.The two species of squirrel will no longer be able to interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
C The two species of squirrel can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
To determine the conclusion about the interbreeding of the Kaibab and Abert squirrels if they were introduced, we need to understand a few concepts.
Interbreeding refers to the reproduction between individuals of different species or populations. It often results in the production of hybrid offspring. In this case, we are interested in whether the Kaibab and Abert squirrels, which are two distinct species, can interbreed and produce fertile offspring or not.
To get the correct answer, we should consider the concept of speciation. Speciation is the process by which new species are formed. When populations of the same species become reproductively isolated from each other over long periods, they may gradually accumulate distinct genetic differences, leading to the development of new species.
Based on the given options, option C states that the two species of squirrel can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. This option suggests that the Kaibab and Abert squirrels could be closely related enough to successfully reproduce and have offspring that are capable of reproducing themselves, indicating that they are not reproductively isolated and may not have fully diverged into separate species yet.
Therefore, the conclusion that can be made about the interbreeding of the Kaibab and Abert squirrels if they were introduced is that the two species of squirrel can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, as stated in option C.