Question

isabella is studying two populations of butterflies that live on opposite sides of a large lake.

according to the biological species concept, which of the following would indicate that these two populations represent two separate species? select the two answers that are correct.

• the caterpillars of the two groups eat different plants, with one feeding on the leaves of apple trees and the other feeding on the leaves of cherry trees.
• the frequency of certain traits varies in each population, with 25% of the butterfly population north of the lake having a wingspan greater than 6 cm and only 5% of the south population having such a wingspan.
• the population of butterflies north of the lake breed in early spring, whereas the population south of the lake breeds in late summer.
• for sperm transfer in mating, the clasping organs of the males in one population are not suitable for holding onto the abdomen of the females in the other population.
• the population of butterflies north of the lake is much larger than the population of butterflies south of the lake.

Explanation:

The biological species concept defines species as groups of interbreeding natural populations that are reproductively isolated from other such groups. Breeding at different times (temporal isolation) and incompatible mating structures (mechanical isolation) both prevent interbreeding, indicating separate species. Differences in diet, trait frequency, or population size do not directly prevent reproduction.

Answer:

The population of butterflies north of the lake breed in early spring, whereas the population south of the lake breeds in late summer.
For sperm transfer in mating, the clasping organs of the males in one population are not suitable for holding onto the abdomen of the females in the other population.