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What is a species?

Authors :
Zimmer, Carl
Source :
Scientific American. Jun2008, Vol. 298 Issue 6, p72-79. 8p. 10 Color Photographs, 1 Diagram, 1 Chart.
Publication Year :
2008

Abstract

The article presents an overview of the difficulties involved in sorting living things by species. Some historical background on taxonomy is provided, including the contributions of scientists Carl Linnaeus and Charles Darwin. The complications which arise when species interbreed and philosophical debates over what degree of difference is necessary for a population to count as a distinct species are discussed. INSETS: FOLK WISDOM;Linnaeus's Universe;Biology Is Destiny;Linnaeus Updated

Subjects

Subjects :
*SPECIES
*TAXONOMY
*BIOLOGICAL classification
*PHILOSOPHY & science
*BACTERIA classification
*CLASSIFICATION of viruses
*CLASSIFICATION of mammals
*DNA analysis
*ANIMALS
*BACTERIA
*CLASSIFICATION
*CONSERVATION of natural resources
*BIOLOGICAL evolution
*GENETICS
*HUMAN reproductive technology
*MAMMALS
*VIRUSES

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00368733
Volume :
298
Issue :
6
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Scientific American
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
31995211
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican0608-72
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