Question

gray wolves, canis lupus, used to range across most of the western united states and from the atlantic to the pacific ocean. gray wolves are now confined to three populations that are found in the northern rockies, great lakes, and southwest. why are wolves in the northern rockies, great lakes, and southwest considered to be different populations?
∘ when interbred, individuals from different populations cannot produce viable offspring
∘ the three populations are geographically separated and unable to interact or interbreed.
∘ the populations are genetically distinct from one another.
∘ each population has a unique coat coloration and thus, is morphologically distinct from the others.

Explanation:

To determine why the wolf populations are different, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: If interbred, they can't produce viable offspring – this would mean they are different species, but gray wolves are the same species, so this is incorrect.
• Option 2: The three populations are in different geographic areas (Northern Rockies, Great Lakes, Southwest) and are separated, so they can't interact or interbreed. This fits the definition of different populations (groups of the same species separated geographically, limiting gene flow).
• Option 3: Just being genetically distinct isn't the main reason for being different populations here; geographic separation leading to limited interbreeding is more relevant.
• Option 4: Having unique coat color isn't a defining factor for different populations; morphological differences alone don't make populations different in this context.

Answer:

B. The three populations are geographically separated and unable to interact or interbreed.