The Common Edible Frog of Europe Is a Hybrid Between

question 31

Multiple Choice

The common edible frog of Europe is a hybrid between two named species, Rana lessonae and Rana ridibunda. The hybrids were first described in 1758 and have a wide distribution, from France across central Europe to Russia. Both male and female hybrids exist, but when they mate among themselves, they rarely produce offspring. Which of the following statements is the best inference about the two Rana species?

• A) They are different species and postzygotic isolation exists between the two frog species.
• B) Prezygotic isolation exists between the two frog species.
• C) The two species are likely in the process of fusing back into one species.
• D) The hybrids form a separate species under the biological species concept.

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Definitions:

Regrowth

The process by which cells, tissues, or organisms grow again after damage or loss.

Repair

The process of restoring damaged cells, tissues, or organs to normal function.

Phagocytosis

The process by which a cell engulfs a solid particle to form an internal compartment known as a phagosome, important in the immune response to pathogens.

Microglial Cells

Specialized cells within the brain and spinal cord that act as the first and main form of active immune defense in the central nervous system.