Question

Bird guides once listed the myrtle warbler and Audubon's warbler as distinct species. Recently, these birds have been classified as eastern and western forms of a single species, the yellow-rumped warbler. Which of the following pieces of evidence, if true, would be cause for this reclassification?

(A) The two forms interbreed often in nature, and their offspring survive and reproduce well.

(B) The two forms live in similar habitats and have similar food requirements.

(C) The two forms have many genes in common.

(D) The two forms are very similar in appearance.

Short answer

1. "The two forms often interbreed in nature, and their offspring survive and reproduce well" is true.
2. "The two forms live in similar habitats and have similar food requirements" isfalse.
3. "The two forms have many genes in common" is false.
4. "The two forms are very similar in appearance" is false.

Step-by-step solution

Species

The description of a species is demarcated as an assembly of animals, plants, along other living things. They all possess mutual characteristics. Also, they are all categorized as comparable in some manner.

Explanation of option '(A)'

According to the above scenario, there are two different kinds of warblers. Both the warblers are described as two distinct species according to their ranges. However, both of them can interbreed, and their offspring can reproduce and do survive.

Thus,by the above scenario, warblers can yield fertile progeny. Therefore, they are characterized as species.

Therefore, the given statement is true.

Explanation of option '(B)'

As per the above scenario, there are two different kinds of warblers. However, if they demonstrate their living in an undistinguishable area, they do not fall into the measures to appeal for a collection of individuals as species. So, this is the reason they will not possess similar eating and similar living area.

Thus,the two warblers will not stay in a similar area, nor would they exhibit similar eating.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option '(C)'

Two different kinds of warblers will possess diverse genes. They will not possess numerous common genes.

Thus, two warblers will not possess numerous mutual genes.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option '(D)'

From the question, it can be stated that two diverse types of warblers are there. So, these two species will not exhibit similarity in terms of their appearance.

Thus,two warblers will not possess similar appearances.

Therefore, the given statement is false.