WANI Dictionary

Species

Species is a basic taxonomic unit to classify life (organisms).

Among several species concepts, the biological species concept is the most common one to define species. According to this concept, a species is a group of individuals that can produce fertile offspring.

Other species concepts include phylogenetic species concept and various typological species concepts.

Definitions in the literature

• the basic unit of taxonomic classification, consisting of a population or group of populations that evolves separately from other populations. In sexually reproducing organisms, a species can be defined as a population or group of populations whose members interbreed freely with one another under natural conditions but do not interbreed with members of other populations [1]
• A group of organisms that resemble each other more than they resemble members of other groups and cannot be subdivided into two or more species. The precise definition of what constitutes a species differs depending on which species concept is applied. ... biological species concept, phylogenetic species concept, and various typological species concepts [2]
• Term applied to different kind of types of living organism. See also biological species concept → Biological species concept: Definition o a species as a group of organisms whose members are capable of interbreeding with one another but are reproductively isolated from the members of other species [3].
• Unique type of organism desinated by genus name and specific epithet. Of sexual reproducers, often defined as one or more groups o individuals that can potentially interbreed, produce fertile offspring, and do not interbreed with other groups [4].