Two plants can be conclusively said to belong to the same species if they

Options

A. Can reproduce freely with each other and form seeds
B. Have more than 90 percent similar genes
C. Look similar and posses identical secondary metabolites
D. Have same number of chromosomes

Answer

To determine whether two plants belong to the same species, we need to consider the criteria that define a species. The most widely accepted definition is based on the ability of organisms to interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the reasoning:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Species Definition**: A species is typically defined as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. This is known as the biological species concept.

2. **Interbreeding Capability**: For two plants to be classified as the same species, they must be able to reproduce with each other. This means that they can successfully mate and produce offspring.

3. **Fertility of Offspring**: It is not enough for the plants to simply produce offspring; the offspring must also be fertile. This ensures that the next generation can continue to reproduce, maintaining the species.

4. **Evaluating Options**:
- **Option A**: "Can reproduce freely with each other and form seeds" aligns with the definition of species, as it emphasizes interbreeding and the production of seeds (fertile offspring).
- **Option B**: "Have more than 90% similar genes" does not necessarily indicate that the plants can interbreed, as genetic similarity alone does not confirm reproductive compatibility.
- **Option C**: "Look similar and possess identical secondary metabolites" focuses on physical appearance and chemical properties, which can be misleading as different species can look alike.
- **Option D**: "Have the same number of chromosomes" is not a definitive criterion for species classification, as different species can have the same chromosome number but still be unable to interbreed.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the biological species concept, the correct answer is **Option A**: "can reproduce freely with each other and form seeds."