How is species defined as the biological species concept?

Answer 1

Organisms are the same species if the have the potential, or actually interbreed one with another. Does not apply to all organisms. Bacteria being an example of this. Is not as strong a concept as once it was as it did not adequately address hybridization.

Answer 2

Ernest Mayr is the modern author of what he called the biological species concept, but the idea has been in the literature for over two centuries. The earliest published author of whom I am aware is Johann F. Blumenbach, in 1775 in his On the natural varieties of mankind, although he cited "the sagacious Frisch" as the originator of the view, and even John Ray, who first defined biological species: "After long and considerable investigation, no surer criterion for determining species has occurred to me than the distinguishing features that perpetuate themselves in propagation from seed" in his Historia plantarum generalis, 1686. This is not a "biological" conception. Also, Linnaeus implicitly used a "biological" conception of species too, later in his life, in the Systema Vegetabilium.

The name "biological species concept" was contrasted with "morphological species concept" as used in museums, by Mayr. However, all concepts of biological species are biological concepts, and it is better called a "reproductive isolation species concept", since that is what it differs from other concepts in.

Answer 3

The actual or potential interbreeding of conspecifics in populations. A biological species can actually or potentially interbreed with a member of the same species.

Answer 4

being able to interbreed and produce fertile offspring

Answer 5

That organisms are of the same species if they can potentially, or actually breed with each other.

Answer 6

Species are populations that interbreed and produce fertile offspring

Answer 7

Genera planterum, species planterum of Carl Linnaeus !