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[Species: author definitions]
1Laboratoire populations, génétique et évolution, CNRS, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
Summary
Species definitions have evolved from philosophical to biological concepts, with a surge in new definitions in the last 50 years. This review explores various species concepts and their commentaries.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Philosophy of science
- Taxonomy
Context:
- Historically, species definitions were primarily philosophical.
- Biological contributions significantly expanded species concepts.
- The evolutionary synthesis offered temporary consensus, but definition proliferation continued.
Purpose:
- To review classical and lesser-known species definitions.
- To provide commentary on the evolution of species concepts.
- To highlight the dramatic increase in species definitions over the past 50 years.
Summary:
- The concept of species has a long history, initially dominated by logicians and philosophers.
- Biologists have introduced numerous species concepts, leading to a dramatic increase in definitions.
- Despite periods of consensus, such as during the evolutionary synthesis, the number of proposed species definitions has never been higher than in the last half-century.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of species definition history.
- Facilitates understanding of the diversity of species concepts.
- Informs ongoing debates in taxonomy and evolutionary biology.