Biological species concept, Biology

Assignment Help:

Q. Biological species concept?

A biological species as defined by Ernst Mayr are "groups of actually or potentially interbreeding natural populations which are reproductively isolated from other such groups". For example there are some species called sibling species that are reproductively isolated although they have extremely minute genetic differences. This definition assumes that a species cannot interbreed with other species due to a variety of isolating mechanisms that are behavioural, physiological, genetic, etc. Thus, according to the biological species concept, individuals within a species have a gene pool available for recombination through sexual reproduction within the group, and is not inhibited by pre - or post -mating reproductive isolation. The main criticism of this definition is that it applies only to organism (i.e. life forms) that have sexual reproduction, and ignores the fact that some times gene flow occurs between closely related, sympatric species (species whose geographical ranges overlap).

For example, significant gene exchange has happened between bison and bus (domestic cattle). Such occurrences violate the basic notion of the biological species concept. Nevertheless, this definition of a species continues to be widely used even today.


Related Discussions:- Biological species concept

What is anemia, What is anemia? What are the four main types of anemia? ...

What is anemia? What are the four main types of anemia? Anemia is low concentration of hemoglobin in the blood. The four main types of anemia are the nutrient-deficiency ane

Chromosome, Apparently. The untwisting, unzipping. Rezipping and retwisting...

Apparently. The untwisting, unzipping. Rezipping and retwisting occur sequentially and ensure that each newly formed double helix is exactly like other one. The final result is a p

Monounsaturated fatty acids required for dyslipidemia, Q. Monounsaturated f...

Q. Monounsaturated fatty acids required for dyslipidemia? Polyunsaturated fatty acids also have a cholesterol decreasing effect. Omega 3 fatty acids are excellent for the heart

Explain the soft diet, Explain the soft diet The soft diet provides so...

Explain the soft diet The soft diet provides soft whole food that is lightly seasoned and moderately low in fibre. The foods have a soft  texture and are easy  to digest. Smal

What is oxygen-haemoglobin dissociation curve, What is oxygen-haemoglobin d...

What is oxygen-haemoglobin dissociation curve? Explain the role of red blood cells in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide by blood. Briefly describe the principle, pr

Water-soluble vitamins for school children and adolescents, Determine Water...

Determine Water-soluble vitamins needs of school children and adolescents? The suggested requirements are given in Table 15.2 (ICMR 1990). Thiamine is computed as 0.5 mg/1000 K

What are the bone grafting issues, Bone grafting issues Planning of the...

Bone grafting issues Planning of the case is very critical. Any bone defect in the aesthetic zone should be evaluated prior to implant placement in order to obtain a prosthetic

Disorders of upper respiratory tract, DISORDERS OF UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT:...

DISORDERS OF UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT: Common Cold: It is most frequent and most common infection in infants  and children. Common cold corresponds  to  acute nasopharyn

Define tests to measure flexibility component in the humans, Define Tests t...

Define Tests to Measure Flexibility Component in the Humans? The flexibility component measures the elasticity or range of motion around a joint. This component of physical fi

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd