What is a species?
a group of organisms that are physically, behaviourally and genetically similar, and that can interbreed with one another to produce fertile offspring
What are the 3 species concepts
1. Morphological
2. Biological
3. Phylogenetic
Morphological
focuses on the structure of the organism. Advantage is that it is easy to catgorize and is most widely used. a Disadvantage is that there could be too much variation
Biological
Defines species based on whether they can produce fertile offspring. Advantage is that it is widely used, disadvanatge because some organisms live too far apart they cannot be compared
Phylogenetic
Studies the evoluntionary history of organisms
Advantage is that you can compare extinct organisms
Disadavtage is that it is ipossible to know all past organisms
Binomial Nomenclature
2 part naming system created by Carl Linneas