Species
- A species is a group of living organisms that share common characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. This is a fundamental concept in biology and is used to classify living things.
Simple Version
A species is a group of living things that can have babies together.
Example
The lion species is found in savannas and grasslands, and is known for its distinctive mane.
Real World
In the real world, species are often identified by their physical characteristics, such as shape, size, and color.
Synonyms
- Similar: Breed, Kind, Type, Variety, Class
Etymology
- The word “species” comes from the Latin word “species,” meaning “kind” or “sort.” It has been used in biology since the 17th century to describe groups of living organisms.
Denotations
- In biology, a species is often used to describe a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. However, the concept of species can also be used more broadly to describe any group of living things that share common characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a species and a genus?
A species is a group of living organisms that can interbreed, while a genus is a group of related species that share common characteristics.
How are species classified?
Species are classified using a system called binomial nomenclature, which uses a combination of genus and species names to identify each species.
Can species change over time?
Yes, species can change over time through a process called evolution, which can result in the formation of new species.