Question

homework - mechanisms of speciation
what is an essential characteristic of members of a given species?
o the ability to reproduce with members of another species
the ability to reproduce with one another and have fertile offspring
the ability to reproduce with organisms outside of their local gene pool
the ability to produce eggs or live offspring without sexual reproduction

Explanation:

According to the biological species concept, a species is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Reproduction with members of another species (which may not produce fertile offspring) is not the key. Reproduction with organisms outside the local gene pool is too vague. Asexual reproduction (producing eggs or live offspring without sexual reproduction) is not the defining characteristic for species in terms of the main species concept. The ability to reproduce with one another and have fertile offspring aligns with the biological species concept.

Answer:

the ability to reproduce with one another and have fertile offspring