Question

page 3 of 50
question 3 (mandatory) (2 points)
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bacteria cannot be classified into species based on the definition of a biological species because
the dna sequences of all bacteria are more than 97% identical.
bacteria do not evolve.
bacteria are present everywhere and cannot be reproductively isolated from other bacteria.
bacteria cannot reproduce.
bacteria are asexual.

Explanation:

The biological species concept defines a species as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, relying on sexual reproduction and reproductive isolation. Bacteria reproduce asexually (via binary fission), so this reproductive-based definition does not apply to them. Let's eliminate incorrect options:

1. 97% DNA similarity is a guideline for bacterial taxonomy, not the reason the biological species concept fails.
2. Bacteria do evolve rapidly.
3. Bacteria can be reproductively isolated geographically/ecologically, but this is not the core issue; the key is their asexual reproduction.
4. Bacteria do reproduce, just asexually.

Answer:

bacteria are asexual.