Question

which characteristic is typically used to differentiate one species from another? their habitat preference ability to interbreed and produce offspring ability to perform photosynthesis

Explanation:

According to the biological species concept, a species is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Habitat preference is not a definitive characteristic as different species can share habitats. The ability to perform photosynthesis is a trait of plants (and some bacteria) but not a general species - differentiation criterion.

Answer:

ability to interbreed and produce offspring