Question

A scientist makes the argument that two species of butterflies should be considered the same species because they have similar DNA, similar wing length, and similar migration patterns. The butterflies also have variations in color patterns and different mating seasons.

Which piece of evidence would most go against the scientist’s argument and suggest that the butterflies are actually different species?

The butterflies have similar wing structure.

The butterflies have different mating seasons.

The butterflies have similar migration patterns.

The butterflies have variations in color patterns.

Answer 1

The butterflies have different mating seasons.

Different mating seasons cause temporal reproductive isolation (they don't interbreed), which under the biological species concept is strong evidence they are separate species.