The evolution species concept, often referred to as the "evolutionary species concept," is a way of defining species that emphasizes their evolutionary history and the processes that contribute to genetic diversity over time. It posits that a species is a lineage of populations that maintains its identity from other such lineages and that has its own evolutionary trajectory.
Key aspects of the evolutionary species concept include:
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Lineage: A species is considered a single lineage, meaning that it has a common ancestry and a unique path of evolution distinct from other lineages.
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Reproductive Isolation: While reproductive isolation is not the sole criterion, it is important. Species maintain their identity through mechanisms that prevent interbreeding with other species.
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Evolutionary Change: The concept recognizes that species are not static; they evolve over time. This means that what constitutes a species can change as a result of evolutionary processes.
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Genetic Cohesion: A species should exhibit genetic cohesion, meaning that individuals within the species share certain genetic traits that differentiate them from individuals in other species.
Overall, the evolutionary species concept provides a framework for understanding species diversity and the mechanisms of speciation based on evolutionary principles.
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