The leopard frog and the pickerel frog are two closely related species. In areas where their ranges overlap, the frogs will remain separate species if they --
Responses
A maintain different colored markings on their skin.maintain different colored markings on their skin.
B eat different types of insects and crustaceans.eat different types of insects and crustaceans.
C occupy burrows in different parts of a creek.occupy burrows in different parts of a creek.
D reproduce at different times of the year.
D reproduce at different times of the year.
D reproduce at different times of the year.
To determine the correct answer, we need to analyze the concept of speciation and how it can occur among closely related species. Speciation is the formation of new and distinct species from a common ancestor.
When two closely related species have overlapping ranges, it is crucial for them to exhibit reproductive isolation to prevent interbreeding and maintain separate species status. Reproductive isolation can be achieved through various means. Let's evaluate each option:
A. Different colored markings on their skin: While different coloration can contribute to differentiation, it alone is not sufficient for reproductive isolation. Frogs with different color patterns can still mate and produce viable offspring.
B. Eating different types of insects and crustaceans: Diet preferences can lead to habitat partitioning, where different species occupy different ecological niches. However, this alone does not necessarily prevent interbreeding, and frogs with different diets can still mate and produce offspring.
C. Occupying burrows in different parts of a creek: Habitat separation can contribute to reproductive isolation by decreasing encounters between species. If the leopard frog and the pickerel frog occupy separate burrows in different parts of the creek, it reduces their chances of mating and gene flow, promoting speciation.
D. Reproducing at different times of the year: This option provides temporal isolation, which can be an effective mechanism for speciation. If the leopard frog and the pickerel frog have distinct breeding seasons, it reduces the likelihood of them encountering each other and interbreeding.
Considering the options, the answer is D - reproduce at different times of the year. By having distinct reproductive schedules, the leopard frog and the pickerel frog minimize the chances of interbreeding, allowing them to remain separate species in areas where their ranges overlap.