Evolution |
|
Evolution in Action |
|
Species |
|
|
| What is a species? |
Although gross morphological, physical, behavioral, and physical characters are most often used to describe and illustrate a species, it is reproduction that is the ultimate factor in defining a species. A species is any genetically distinct group or population that shares a common gene pool and is reproductively isolated from other similar groups or populations. Gene flow can take place only within a species, not across species boundaries. If no gene flow is possible between two groups, then they are different species, no matter how alike they look. |
|
BIOdotEDU © 2001, Professor John Blamire |
|