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 defines a species based on its ability to interbreed and produce viable, fertile offspring. It emphasizes reproductive compatibility rather than physical characteristics or ecological roles.
2. Analyze each option provided in the problem: Evaluate how each option aligns with the biological species concept. For example, consider whether the ability to interbreed (option b) or reproductive isolation (option c) fits the definition.
3. Clarify the role of reproductive isolation: Reproductive isolation is a key mechanism that prevents different species from interbreeding. This supports the biological species concept by maintaining distinct species boundaries.
4. Eliminate options that do not align with the biological species concept: For instance, roles in a biological community (option a) and common ancestry (option d) are not central to this concept, as they focus on ecological or evolutionary aspects rather than reproductive compatibility.
5. Select the option that directly reflects the biological species concept: Based on the analysis, identify the option that emphasizes the ability to interbreed and produce viable, fertile offspring, which is the core of this concept.

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.