Dictionary » S » Species

Species

Definition

noun, singular or plural: species

(taxonomy)

(1) The lowest taxonomic rank, and the most basic unit or category of biological classification.

(2) An individual belonging to a group of organisms (or the entire group itself) having common characteristics and (usually) are capable of mating with one another to produce fertile offspring. Failing that (for example the Liger) It has to be ecologically and recognisably the same.


Supplement

A species is given a two-part name: the generic name and the specific name (or specific epithet). For example, Allium cepa (commonly known as onion)


Word origin: Middle English, logical classification, from Latin speciēs, a seeing, kind, form.


Related phrases: endangered species, dominant species, pioneer species, species specificity, rare species, exotic species, early seral species, type species, species area curve.


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Results from our forum


Conflicting results of Gram-Negative unknown

... did confirm that my results for the HE agar were negative meaning that it could not be of the Shigella family or the Samonella family. Shigella species is the only bacteria listed under non-motile. This means that something is either wrong with my HE results, which I doubt or there is something ...

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by Jrh21854
Sun Dec 01, 2013 8:25 pm
 
Forum: Microbiology
Topic: Conflicting results of Gram-Negative unknown
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Views: 20

Speciation and Evolution

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by 1357
Mon Nov 25, 2013 4:01 am
 
Forum: Evolution
Topic: Speciation and Evolution
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Views: 1052

Effects of variation in Flicker Fusion Thresholds (vision)

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by NMLevesque
Sat Nov 23, 2013 6:47 pm
 
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Effects of variation in Flicker Fusion Thresholds (vision)
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Views: 73

Re: Species Perfection?

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by NMLevesque
Fri Nov 22, 2013 6:03 pm
 
Forum: Evolution
Topic: Species Perfection?
Replies: 3
Views: 735

Re: Out of Africa Vs. Multiregional theory

... theory precludes multiregional migration, in fact I think it's predicated on it. The qualifier is that it started in Africa. Of course as a species from an extant line which probably underwent adaptive radiation, it gets a bit complicated with the other, now extinct, human like species that ...

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by NMLevesque
Fri Nov 22, 2013 6:01 pm
 
Forum: Evolution
Topic: Out of Africa Vs. Multiregional theory
Replies: 2
Views: 273
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