Sibling species

Definition

Species that are closely related and often overlap in their distributions, exhibiting such close similarity in appearance that they can only be distinguished by subtle differences in morphology, behavior, or genetic makeup.

Etymology

From the Latin 'sibilis', meaning 'related', and 'species', meaning 'kind'.

Example

The Rhagoletis pomonella species complex, consisting of several sibling species, demonstrates how sympatric speciation can occur.

Related Terms

• Sympatric speciation
• Species complex

Usage Notes

Sibling species are often challenging to differentiate and require careful study using techniques such as DNA analysis.