According to the biological species concept, species are defined by their a. particular roles in a biological community. b. ability to interbreed and produce viable, fertile offspring. c. reproductive isolation from nearby populations. d. common ancestry.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the Biological Species Concept: This concept emphasizes reproductive isolation among groups of organisms. It is used to define species based on their reproductive compatibility.
2. Analyze the options: Each option presents a different criterion for defining species. Compare each option with the core idea of the Biological Species Concept.
3. Identify the key phrase in the Biological Species Concept: Focus on the terms 'interbreed' and 'produce viable, fertile offspring' as these are central to the concept.
4. Evaluate Option B: This option directly mentions the ability of organisms to interbreed and produce viable, fertile offspring, aligning it with the Biological Species Concept.
5. Conclude that Option B is the correct answer: Since it is the only option that matches the definition provided by the Biological Species Concept, it is the correct choice.

Key Concepts

Biological Species Concept

The Biological Species Concept defines a species as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce viable, fertile offspring under natural conditions. This concept emphasizes reproductive isolation, meaning that members of different species do not typically mate or produce offspring that can survive and reproduce.

Reproductive Isolation

Reproductive isolation refers to mechanisms that prevent different species from interbreeding. This can occur through prezygotic barriers, such as temporal or behavioral differences, or postzygotic barriers, like hybrid inviability or sterility. These mechanisms are crucial for maintaining the integrity of species and preventing gene flow between them.

Common Ancestry

Common ancestry is a concept in evolutionary biology that suggests all species share a common ancestor at some point in their evolutionary history. This idea is fundamental to understanding the relationships between species and how they have diverged over time, contributing to the diversity of life we see today.