Which Scenario Best Describes the Terms "Subspecies" and "Race

Question

Which scenario best describes the terms "subspecies" and "race"?
A) a population of rabbits that lives near a lake and sometimes breeds with rabbits farther inland
B) two populations of birds that have different amounts of orange coloration and could produce offspring if they were not separated by a mountain range
C) two populations of frogs that cannot produce offspring
D) a breed of dog with a longhaired coat instead of a shorthaired coat

Accepted Answer

"Subspecies" refers to populations of the same species that have distinct physical or genetic differences and can interbreed but are separate enough to be classified as different subspecies. "Race" is a term that has been historically used to describe human populations with physical differences, but it is now considered outdated and inappropriate. In the case of option B, the two populations of birds with different amounts of orange coloration could be considered different subspecies as they have some physical differences but can still produce viable offspring if they were not separated by a mountain range.