biological species

Biological species are groups of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring under natural conditions, sharing similar characteristics and genetics. They are the fundamental units of biological classification, helping scientists categorize and understand the diversity of life. Members of a species are typically isolated from others by reproductive barriers, such as geographical, behavioral, or genetic differences, which prevent gene flow between species. This concept helps explain how new species form over time and how biodiversity is maintained across ecosystems.