The diversity of species that we know today is the result of successive evolutionary processes of great complexity. At present, it is estimated that the total species described is 1.9 million. Despite this amazing figure, scientists say that many more species would still be cataloged, especially in those places on the planet commonly known as “Hotspots or hot biodiversity points”, located mainly in the tropics.
In tune with these data related to the number of species that live with humans on the planet, in this ecology article you can discover detailed information about the concept of Biological species: what is, characteristics and examples.
What is a biological species
The term of biological species It has been modifying and expanding its meaning as science, specifically, biology, was evolving and acquiring a more complex knowledge of nature and the world that surrounds us. In this way, at present, the biological species is conceived as the Basic Taxonomy Unitthat is, the part of the biology dedicated to the Biological classification of species. Within this basic unit, the biological species is represented as the set of those living organisms that are capable of reproducing between individuals of different sex belonging to the same species, leading to fertile offspring.
However, the definition of biological species covers numerous foundations and applications within the different branches of biology, so that it can be analyzed based on the genetics of populations, as well as according to the evolution and lineage of the species, and even under an ecological vision.
In this image we can see Examples of biological species Marinas, we can clearly observe anemones and clown fish. To deepen this complex concept and know in detail its importance within the study of living beings, in the next sections we will see which are the most prominent characteristics of biological species, as well as some specific examples. However, we also recommend these other ecology articles to have more related information:
- What is a native or native species.
- Endemic species: definition and examples.
- Invasive species: what are, examples and consequences.
Characteristics of biological species
As we have seen in the previous section, biological species are the basic unit within the classification and grouping studies of living beings based on their common characteristics. In the following list we will see what these characteristics of biological species:
- All those organisms that belong to the same biological species share the same general pattern of morphological, physiological, genetic, evolutionary and behavioral characteristics.
- There is a common ancestor from which each and every individual of the same species descend.
- Individuals of the same species are able to reproduce with each other, leading to fertile offspring. The reproduction between individuals of species is different is feasible in some cases, although the offspring would not be fertile.
- The geographical distribution patterns are very marked within the populations of individuals of the same species, so that for the same species there is a specific ecological niche, that is, certain ecological characteristics within a common habitat that allow the development and survival of the species; even when individuals live on different continents.
- The total variety of biological species that exist on the planet Earth constitute the biodiversity of species.
If you want more information about biological species and biodiversity, we recommend you read these other ecology articles about biodiversity: what is, types and importance and the loss of biodiversity, its causes and consequences.
Examples of biological species – list names and data
Before naming some concrete examples of different biological species that inhabit planet Earth, let’s know what groups of Types of species They are more numerous, that is, within the total biodiversity of the planet, how many of the cataloged species until today they belong to each group; The data is really fascinating!
- Vertebrate animals species: 66,176
- Invertebrate animal species: 1,359,365
- Mushroom species: 74,000-120,000
- Lichenes species: 17,000
- Plant species: 323,674
- Bacteria species: 10,000
In addition to these groups of living beings and the total number of species that represent them, it must be taken into account that there are other less abundant and little known groups for human beings, within which many of the planet’s species that have already been described are also included.
Let’s see some of the Common and scientific names of biological species. These are some of the most surprising:
Biological species of animals
- Bull or sardo shark (Carcharhinus Leucas)
- Blue whale (BALENAPTERA MUSCULUS)
- Jaguar (Panthera onca)
- Giant armadillo (Maximus prixes)
- Amazonian tapir (Turdus rofiventris)
- Andean condor (Vultur Gryphus)
- Giant picaflor (Patagona Gigas)
- Tucán Esmeralda (Aulacorhynchus prrasinus)
- Common green anaconda (Eunectes Murinus)
- Pink salmon tarantula (Lasiodora Parahybana)
Biological species of plants and other vegetables
- Colorado mangrove (Rhizophora Mangle)
- American cedar (Cedrela Odorata)
- Andean papaya (Carica Candicans)
- Passion flower (Passiflora falls)
- Anacardo (Western Anacardium)
- Siberian fir (Abies Sibirica)
- Álamo Mongol (Populus soft)
- Pinsapos (Abies Pinsapo)
- Diquoias (Sequoia Sempervirens)
- Olive trees (Olea Europea)
Now that you know What is a biological species, its characteristics and exampleswe show you this video about the loss of biodiversity or biological wealth, its causes and its consequences.
If you want to read more articles similar to Biological species: what is, characteristics and exampleswe recommend that you enter our biology category.
- Aguilera, M. & Silva, J. (1997) Species and biodiversity. Interciencia magazine.Volume 22 (6), pp: 299-306.
- Barberá, O. (1994) History of the concept of species in biology. Science Teaching Magazine, Valencia (Spain). Volume 12 (3), pp: 417-430.
- Jiménez, MP (2009) The concepts of population and species in the teaching of biology: conceptions, difficulties and perspectives. Editorial of the University of Granada.
