Question

Scientists often see that organisms with similar genetics are susceptible to being infected by similar viruses. This diagram shows genetic relationships between five species of rabbits. A particular virus commonly infects Sylvilagus bachmani.



Using the diagram, which other species would MOST LIKELY be at risk for infection by the virus?

Question 3 options:

Lepus callotis


Lepus insularis


Syvilagus audubonii


Sylvilagus aquaticus

Answer 1

To determine which species would most likely be at risk for infection by the virus that commonly infects **Sylvilagus bachmani**, we need to consider the genetic relationships shown in the diagram.

Typically, closely related species share similar genetic traits and may have similar susceptibility to viruses. If the diagram shows that **Sylvilagus audubonii** or **Sylvilagus aquaticus** are more closely related to **Sylvilagus bachmani** than the Lepus species (like **Lepus callotis** or **Lepus insularis**), then one of these two would be the most likely at risk for infection.

Since specific information from the diagram isn’t provided, the most logical choice, based on the genus similarity, would be either **Sylvilagus audubonii** or **Sylvilagus aquaticus**, as they belong to the same genus as **Sylvilagus bachmani**.

Therefore, the answer would be:

**Sylvilagus audubonii** (or Sylvilagus aquaticus, depending on which is shown as closer in the diagram).