Bodega Bay species concept

The Bodega Bay species concept is a way scientists identify different species based on the distinct characteristics of their populations. It emphasizes that a species is a group of organisms that share specific traits and interbreed within the group, maintaining their unique features over time. Named after the Bodega Bay area in California, this concept highlights that physical appearance, genetic makeup, and reproductive behaviors help distinguish species. Essentially, it recognizes species as cohesive units that stay separate from others because of their unique biological and ecological features, helping scientists understand biodiversity and evolutionary processes.