Question

Find out the number of biological species from the given: monkey, horse, donkey, mule, blue-green algae.

Answer 1

Hint: We know that species that are able to interbreed among themselves in a population are called biological species. It claims that organisms are not said to be of the same biological species if they are not able to reproduce and produce progenies, even if they have a similar appearance.

Complete answer: Group of organisms that are able to interbreed among themselves are called species. Sexual reproduction is the process by which gametes are produced by both parents. The fusion of these gametes leads to the birth of young ones. In asexual reproduction, only one parent is involved. Gamete formation and fertilisation are absent in asexual reproduction. So, we do not consider organisms that reproduce in an asexual manner as interbreeding organisms. Cyanobacteria are also known as blue-green algae. These organisms reproduce in an asexual manner. Mules are examples for a special kind of breed of animals that are produced by the mating of horse and a donkey. They are sterile and are not able to reproduce. Both male and female mules are present. A male mule is called a hinny and is born by the mating between a female donkey and a male horse. Female mules are called molly and are born when a female donkey mates with a male horse. Mules and blue-green algae are not able to inbreed and produce progenies. So, according to the biological species concept, these organisms do not come under the term biological species. Monkeys, horses, and donkeys are able to interbreed and produce progenies by sexual reproduction.
Hence, the correct option is A.

Note: Other than Earnest Mayer, several other scientists also conducted studies in this regard. Carl Linneaus, also known as the father of binomial classification put forward the static concept of species and Lamarck described the dynamic concept of species.