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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