Several stickleback species live in sympatry. These species exhibit morphologica

Question

Several stickleback species live in sympatry. These species exhibit morphological divergence as they each exploit either the benthic (bottom) or the limnetic (deeper, open-water) environment. Occasionally, the two kinds mate, resulting in hybrid offspring. Which of the following is a potential reason for maintenance of these two separate groups despite the occasional hybridization event?

A. Hybrids share traits of both species, and thus are able to attract mates of either species.

B. Hybrids share traits of both species, and thus may not have specific traits to attract mates of either species.

C.Hybrids share traits of both species, and thus are specialized and able to hunt well in either environment.

D.Hybrids share traits of both species, and thus are not specialized to either environment in terms of hunting.

E.Both A and B.

F.Both C and D.

Explanation / Answer

Answer. Option C seems to be the best one.

Sympatry means they have originated from a common ancestor but now live separately without geographical isolation.

The offsprings of the stickleback species with share characteristics of both the population, thus they would possess the capability to exploit the benthic or the limenetic region as their parents are and thus 2 separate groups will be maintained.

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