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A natural species concept for prokaryotes
1Department of Microbiology, Montana State University, Bozeman MT, 59717, USA. umbdw@montana.edu
Current Opinion in Microbiology
|March 6, 1999
Summary
Microbiologists should adopt a natural species concept, informed by decades of biological understanding. Molecular data from microbial populations highlight the need for a more naturalistic approach to studying these organisms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The definition of microbial species remains a contentious topic within microbiology.
- Traditional species concepts often fall short when applied to microorganisms due to their unique evolutionary and genetic characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for the adoption of a natural species concept in microbiology.
- To demonstrate how molecular analyses of natural microbial populations support a more biologically relevant species definition.
Main Methods:
- Direct molecular analyses were performed on natural microbial populations.
- These analyses revealed patterns inconsistent with current, often artificial, species definitions.
Main Results:
- Molecular data provide compelling evidence for a more naturalistic species concept.
- Observed patterns necessitate a re-evaluation of how microbial species are defined and categorized.
Conclusions:
- Microbiologists should embrace a natural species concept, aligning with broader biological principles.
- A shift towards a naturalistic view is crucial for advancing the field of microbiology and understanding microbial diversity.