Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and gray wolves (Canis lupus) can interbreed to produce viable, fertile offspring. These species shared a common ancestor recently (in geologic time) and have a high degree of genetic similarity, although their anatomies vary widely. Judging from this evidence, which two species concepts are most likely to place dogs and wolves together into a single species?

Question

Jada Fox

Biology

1 September, 17:30

Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and gray wolves (Canis lupus) can interbreed to produce viable, fertile offspring. These species shared a common ancestor recently (in geologic time) and have a high degree of genetic similarity, although their anatomies vary widely. Judging from this evidence, which two species concepts are most likely to place dogs and wolves together into a single species?

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Answers (1)

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Braedon Bolton · Answer 1

1. Biological Species Concept

2. Phylogenetic Species Concept

Explanation:

Ernst Mayr defined the species on the basis of the biological species concept. Accordingly, the organisms that are capable of interbreeding to produce fertile progeny belong to the same species.

Since dogs and gray wolves are able to produce fertile progeny, they belong to the same species as per the biological species concept.

According to the phylogenetic species concept, two organisms that share a recent common ancestor and exhibit certain derived traits, belong to the same species.

According to the given information, dogs and gray wolves are descended from a common ancestor and hence, belong to the same species according to the phylogenetic species concept.