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Updated: Oct 9, 2025

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PHYLOGENETIC SYSTEMATICS AND THE SPECIES PROBLEM.

Kevin de Queiroz1, Michael J Donoghue2

  • 1Department of Zoology and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, U.S.A.

Cladistics : the International Journal of the Willi Hennig Society
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Defining species involves a choice between interbreeding and monophyly. Both concepts are significant in phylogenetic systematics, but no single species definition suits all biologists.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Systematics
  • Taxonomy

Background:

  • A conflict exists regarding the definition of species, specifically the emphasis on interbreeding versus monophyly.
  • This tension leads to misinterpretations of species concepts and their application to different taxonomic levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the relationship between interbreeding (populations) and evolutionary descent (monophyletic groups) in defining species.
  • To clarify the roles of these two processes in phylogenetic systematics.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of species concepts based on interbreeding (genealogical cohesion).
  • Analysis of species concepts based on common descent (monophyly).
  • Examination of the utility of populations and monophyletic groups in phylogenetic analysis.

Main Results:

  • Interbreeding defines cohesive populations, crucial as terminal units in phylogenetic analysis for sexually reproducing organisms.
  • Monophyletic groups encompass both sexually and asexually reproducing organisms.
  • Both interbreeding and monophyly are significant, necessitating a deliberate choice for species definition.

Conclusions:

  • Several species concepts are valid within phylogenetic systematics.
  • No single species concept can universally satisfy the needs of all comparative biologists.
  • The choice between interbreeding and monophyly for species definition requires careful consideration.