A bacteriologist is studying two asexually reproducing strains of E. coli. The two require different amounts of trace minerals for survival; on these grounds, the bacteriologist determines that they are separate species. In making his determination, he is using which species concept or concepts?
A)biological species concept
B)ecological species concept
C)morphospecies concept
D)phylogenetic species concept
E)None of the answer options is correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ecological species concept defines species in terms of their ecological niches, focusing on unique adaptations to particular roles in a biological community. Since the bacteriologist is distinguishing the strains based on their different requirements for trace minerals (an ecological factor), this approach aligns with the ecological species concept.

A Bacteriologist Is Studying Two Asexually Reproducing Strains of E