answersLogoWhite

0

AnswersThere are multiple answers to the question of what is a species. One of the lessons of evolution is that the idea of species is transient. No population of organisms can be said to truly be the same species as it's ancestors. It's important to note that the idea of a species is a human concept. Nature doesn't play that nice.

One of the more common definitions and easiest to explain is the biological definition. This basically states that a species is "a reproductive community of populations (reproductively isolated from others) that occupies a specific niche in nature." In other words, a group that can breed with each other. (This definition has obvious failings with asexual organisms.)

Some of the challenges to species definitions come from organisms that form "ring species" which, even if forming an incomplete ring, still challenge how we think of a species.

Other definitions define a species based on various similarities, either in form, behaviour, or biochemistry.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Why are living things classified?

Living things are classified to organize and understand the diversity of life on Earth. Classification helps scientists study and communicate about different species, their relationships, and characteristics.


How are living things organized-?

Living things are classified in a biological classification from the biggest to smallest. The classes include; Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species


Why are living things classified into groups?

Living things are classified into groups to help scientists organize and understand the diversity of life on Earth. By grouping organisms based on shared characteristics, scientists can easily compare and study different species. Classification also allows us to make predictions about evolutionary relationships and better understand how living things are interconnected.


Is it useful for biologists to classify living things according to their colour?

no.they should be classified according to their structure & function


How are living things classified according to?

Living things are classified according to their shared physical and genetic characteristics. This classification system groups organisms based on their evolutionary relationships, with the highest level being domain, followed by kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. This system helps scientists organize and study the vast diversity of life on Earth.


How many different kinds of living things in the world?

There are estimated to be around 8.7 million different species of living things on Earth, but this number could vary as new species are discovered and existing species are further classified.


How ar and living things classified?

Living things have cells non-living things dont


How are living things things classified?

According to their common traits.The main division is into the 2 categories: vertebrates (with backbone) and invertebrates (without backbone).Vertebrates can be sub-divided into 5 groups: Fish, Reptiles, Amphibians, Birds and Mammals.Livings things are classified into:DomainKingdomPhylumClassOrderFamilyGenusSpecies


Livings things are classified according to their?

Livings things are classified accoring to their


What do non living things have but living things do not?

Scientists/experts that classified them as non living things.


What is the study of how living things are classified?

The study of how living things are classified is called taxonomy. Taxonomy involves organizing organisms into categories based on their characteristics and evolutionary relationships. The system of classification includes the hierarchy of domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.


Carolus linnaeus classified all living things by?

Carolus Linnaeus classified all living things based on their physical characteristics and reproductive structures. He developed a system known as binomial nomenclature, which assigns a two-part Latin name to each species, consisting of the genus and species names. This classification system forms the basis of modern taxonomy.