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Question #46911
The Question
A researcher studying a wild, freely interbreeding population of Antirrhinum majus notes the presence of red, white, and pink flowers. A novice taxonomist suggests that the pink-flowered variants should be classified under a different specific epithet due to their distinct morphological trait. Which of the following is the most scientifically accurate reason to reject this suggestion?
Options
- A.
Phenotypic variation due to incomplete dominance in heterozygotes does not confer reproductive isolation, which is the core of the biological species concept.
- B.
Binomial nomenclature dictates that distinct phenotypes arising from pleiotropy must be classified as subspecies, not distinct species.
- C.
The pink phenotype is a temporary somatic variation that is not heritable, hence it cannot be used for taxonomic classification.
- D.
Morphological distinctiveness always warrants a new generic name, but the specific epithet remains conserved in such interbreeding populations.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Binomial Nomenclature Rules|Incomplete Dominance Pheno-Geno|Growth-Reproduction Mutual Exclusivity
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often confuse morphological variation (phenotype) with speciation.
The trap relies on the misconception that a distinct, visible trait (like pink flowers) automatically requires a new taxonomic identifier, ignoring that genetic plasticity (heterozygosity) exists within a single, reproductively unified species.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | The Living World - Class 11 |
| Concept | Binomial Nomenclature Rules |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |