Exactly what is a species?

[Richard Jensen]

It's not an easy question to answer!

You might start by taking a look at Mallet's (TREE 10: 294-299) article
"A species definition for the modern synthesis" whigc addresses this and
other questions.  Of course, his article is only the tip of the iceberg on
this question.  But, the existence of hybrids does not mean that the
parenbtal taxa are no longer good species and, the hybrids themselves may
qualify as species in their own right.  It depends on what *we* demand
for the recognition of species.

Richard J. Jensen      |   E-MAIL: rjensen at saintmarys.edu
Dept. of Biology       |   TELEPHONE: 219-284-4674
Saint Mary's College   |   FAX: 219-284-4716
Notre Dame, IN  46556  |