Skip to main content
Back

The Biological Species Concept definitions

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/15
  • Biological Species Concept
    A framework that groups organisms based on their inability to exchange genes due to reproductive isolation.
  • Reproductive Isolation
    A condition where barriers prevent gene exchange between populations, maintaining distinct species.
  • Gene Flow
    The movement of genetic material between populations, which increases similarity among them.
  • Prezygotic Barrier
    A mechanism that prevents mating or fertilization from occurring between different populations.
  • Postzygotic Barrier
    A mechanism that reduces the fitness or fertility of hybrids after fertilization has occurred.
  • Habitat Isolation
    A situation where populations occupy different environments, preventing encounters and mating.
  • Temporal Isolation
    A separation of populations due to differences in timing of mating seasons or daily activity.
  • Behavioral Isolation
    A barrier where differences in courtship rituals or signals prevent recognition between potential mates.
  • Mechanical Isolation
    A barrier caused by anatomical incompatibility, making successful mating physically impossible.
  • Gametic Isolation
    A barrier where sperm and egg are biochemically incompatible, preventing fertilization.
  • Hybrid Viability
    The ability of hybrid offspring to survive; reduced when hybrids are less likely to reach maturity.
  • Hybrid Sterility
    A condition where hybrid offspring are healthy but unable to reproduce with parent species.
  • Hybrid Breakdown
    A phenomenon where first-generation hybrids are fertile, but subsequent generations are weak or infertile.
  • Speciation
    The evolutionary process by which populations become distinct species through reproductive isolation.
  • Zygote
    A fertilized egg formed by the union of sperm and egg, marking the start of a new organism.