The evolutionary species concept is a biological definition of species that focuses on their evolutionary history and relationships. Proposed by paleontologist George Gaylord Simpson in the 1960s, this concept emphasizes that a species is a lineage or an evolving lineage of organisms that maintains its identity from other lineages and has its own evolutionary trajectory.
Key aspects of the evolutionary species concept include:
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Lineage: A species is seen as a group of organisms that share a common ancestor and consist of descendants of that ancestor, forming a distinct line of evolutionary descent.
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Evolutionary Change: Species are recognized not only for their current characteristics but also for their potential to undergo evolutionary change over time. This includes adaptation and divergence.
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Identity: The concept highlights that a species retains a degree of biological autonomy and integrity, distinguishing it from other species through evolutionary processes.
The evolutionary species concept is particularly useful in paleontology and in understanding species that may not be easily defined through traditional morphological or biological criteria, allowing for a more dynamic understanding of speciation and evolutionary relationships.
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