The Biological Species Concept

The Biological Species Concept defines a species as a group of organisms that can successfully reproduce with each other and produce fertile offspring, but are reproductively isolated from other such groups. This means members of the same species share a gene pool and can exchange genetic material, ensuring they are legitimate breeding partners. Different species cannot interbreed under natural conditions or produce viable, fertile offspring. This concept emphasizes reproductive compatibility as the key factor distinguishing species, helping scientists classify and understand biodiversity based on reproductive relationships rather than physical similarities alone.