Species


 

In biology, the most commonly used definition of species was first coined by Ernst Mayr. Species are "groups of actually or potentially interbreeding natural populations which are reproductively isolated from other such groups" (however, see other definitions of species below).

Related Topics:
Biology - Ernst Mayr - Population - Definitions of species

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In scientific classification, a species is assigned a two-part scientific name. The Genus is listed first (and capitalized) followed by a species epithet. For example, humans belong to the genus Homo, and are in the species Homo sapiens. The name of the species is the whole binomial not just the second term of the binomial (the specific epithet). See binomial nomenclature (also binomen, specific name, binary name, specific epithet, Nomenclature Codes).

Related Topics:
Scientific classification - Genus - Binomial nomenclature - Binomen - Specific name - Binary name - Specific epithet - Nomenclature Codes

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The scientific name of a species is properly typeset in italics. When an unknown species is being referred to this may be done by using the abbreviation "sp." in the singular or "spp." in the plural in the place of the second part of the scientific name. Note that the word "specie" is NOT the singular of "species." It refers to coined money.

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~ Table of Content ~

Introduction
Definitions of species
Importance in biological classification
Implications of assignment of species status
The isolation species concept in more detail
Historical development of the species concept
See also
External links

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Latest news on species

Study: Tropical Species Face Greater Threat From Global Warming (AHN)

(AHN) - American scientists who studied tropical species in Costa Rica and the effect of climate change have come to the conclusion that plants and animals in tropical zones face a greater threat compared to those found in polar regions. - Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:39:04 GMT

Tropical Rainforest And Mountain Species May Be Threatened By Global Warming

Contrary to conventional wisdom, tropical plant and animal species living in some of the warmest places on Earth may be threatened by global warming, according to ecologists.

Missouri Removes Three Species from State Endangered List

Conservation efforts brought the bald eagle back from the brink of extirpation.

New fungi species unearthed in UK

Several species of fungi new to the UK have been unearthed by mushroom experts at the National Trust's Clumber Park.

PHOTOS: 100s of New Marine Species Found Off Tasmania

A "hairy" crab, spiky sea stars, and a bright red shrimp are among the 274 new species found during a research survey of Australia's deep ocean.

Nearly 300 New Marine Species Found Near Australia

Scientists have found 274 new species of corals, starfish, sponges, shrimps, and crabs 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) beneath the surface of Australia's waters.

Which species most need saving from climate change?

A huge research project aims to work out which species are most threatened – of the 17,000 species assessed so far, over a third are at risk

Map reveals species most at risk from climate change

A huge project aims to work out which species most need help to survive climate change – of the 17,000 species assessed, over a third are at risk

Feds Add to Endangered List in Hawaii

Adding 48 species at once signals a new approach to the endangered species list.