Species Concept
- Pronunciation
- /SPEE-sheez KON-sept/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Plural
- Species Concepts
Definition
A set of criteria used to define what constitutes a distinct species, based on various factors such as reproductive isolation, evolutionary history, and shared characteristics.
Etymology
From Latin 'species', meaning 'kind' or 'type', and 'conceptus', meaning 'thought, idea'.
Example
The Biological Species Concept emphasizes reproductive isolation as the defining feature of a species.
Related Terms
- Species
- Reproductive Isolation
- Evolution
- Biodiversity
Usage Notes
Different species concepts have different strengths and weaknesses depending on the type of biological research being conducted.