Glossary

species

Taxonomic rank into which a genus is divided, but otherwise difficult to delineate precisely with a single definition satisfying all eventualities still lacking to date.

There exist a number of concepts of which the most popular in vertebrate taxonomy include the biological species concept and phylogenetic species concept.

Used in 1,790 species profiles

Related terms

biological species concept
Most popular concept of species in vertebrate zoology. Defines species as members of populations that do or potentially could interbreed and produce fertile offspring in nature, regardless of appearance, therefore somewhat more restrictive than the phylogenetic species concept. In theory species are thus separated from one another by some form of reproductive isolation, though in practice this does not always hold true. Often abbreviated to BSC.
description
Used in ichthyology in reference to a written description of a new species, usually in the form of a scientifically-published paper though many have been also appeared in aquarium literature, particularly in the late twentieth century. Also referred to as 'type description' or 'original description'.
genus
Taxonomic group into which a family is divided and which contains one or more species characterised by a shared trait or traits. The generic name is used, either alone or followed by one or two specific epithets, to form a binomen or trinomen.
phylogenetic species concept
Species concept based on the evolutionary relationships among organisms, specifically using common ancestry and shared evolutionary history to define species. Under this concept a species is essentially the smallest group of organisms that share a common ancestor and can be distinguished from other such groups via phylogenetic analyses. Each such grouping constitutes a distinct branch on an evolutionary tree. Subspecies tend not to be recognised and it is generally less restrictive than the biological species concept. Often abbreviated to PSC.
taxonomic
Of or relating to taxonomy.
taxoomy
Classification of organisms into groups in an ordered system based on natural relationships; the practice of arranging organisms in this fashion; carrying out classification.
vertebrate
An organism possessing a backbone or spinal column.

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