Biology: Definition and Characteristics of a Species

Questions and Answers

Having varied physical characteristics

Ability to adapt to any environment

Capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring (correct)

Sharing a common habitat with other species

Members can breed with any organisms in their ecosystem.

Members are physically similar to organisms from different species.

Members only interbreed with each other and not with other species. (correct)

Members are genetically identical to each other.

Ecological species

Morphospecies (correct)

Biological species

Cryptic species

Allopatric speciation Signup and view all the answers

Species contribute to the diversity of life, assisting in ecosystem function. Signup and view all the answers

Species share some degree of genetic variation. Signup and view all the answers

Genetic species Signup and view all the answers

Populations diverge within the same geographic area. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

A species is a group of living organisms that share common characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
The concept of a species is a fundamental unit in biology, used to classify and identify different types of organisms.

Reproductive isolation: Members of a species can only interbreed with each other, not with members of other species.
Morphological similarity: Members of a species share similar physical characteristics, such as body shape, size, and color.
Genetic similarity: Members of a species have similar genetic makeup, with some degree of genetic variation.
Ecological niche: Members of a species occupy a specific ecological niche, with adaptations to their environment.

Morphospecies: Defined based on morphological characteristics, such as shape and structure.
Biological species: Defined based on reproductive isolation and genetic similarity.
Ecological species: Defined based on occupation of a specific ecological niche.
Cryptic species: Species that are morphologically similar but genetically distinct.

Allopatric speciation: Speciation occurs when a population is geographically isolated from the rest of the species.
Sympatric speciation: Speciation occurs when a population diverges within the same geographic area.
Parapatric speciation: Speciation occurs when a population is partially isolated from the rest of the species.

Biodiversity: Species contribute to the diversity of life on Earth, with each species playing a unique role in the ecosystem.
Ecosystem function: Species interact with their environment and other species to maintain ecosystem function and balance.
Evolution: Species are the units of evolution, with changes in species leading to the development of new traits and adaptations.

A species is a group of organisms with shared characteristics that can interbreed to create fertile offspring.
Serves as a fundamental biological classification unit.

Reproductive Isolation: Only members of the same species can interbreed successfully.
Morphological Similarity: Members exhibit similar physical traits such as body shape, size, and coloration.
Genetic Similarity: Organisms have alike genetic makeup, allowing for variation within the group.
Ecological Niche: Species adapt to specific roles and environments within an ecosystem.

Morphospecies: Identified by physical features like shape and structure.
Biological Species: Recognized by the ability to reproduce only within their group, emphasizing reproductive isolation.
Ecological Species: Defined by their role and habitat in the ecosystem.
Cryptic Species: Morphologically similar species that are genetically distinct from one another.

Allopatric Speciation: Occurs through geographic isolation of populations leading to divergence.
Sympatric Speciation: Divergence arises in overlapping geographic areas without physical barriers.
Parapatric Speciation: Involves partial isolation, allowing for distinct populations to gradually evolve.

Biodiversity: Each species contributes uniquely to the planet's overall biodiversity.
Ecosystem Function: Interactions among species and their environments are crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance and functions.
Evolution: Species are pivotal units of evolution, with changes over time resulting in new traits and adaptations.