Species
/ˈspiːʃiːz/
Definition
Species is a biological concept and the basic unit of classification below genus. In plants, it refers to a group of closely related individuals that share key traits and, in nature, usually reproduce with one another and produce fertile offspring. A species name has two parts: the genus followed by the specific epithet, such as Acer rubrum. It differs from a cultivar, which is a selected cultivated form, and from a genus, which includes one or more related species.
Role in Plant Biology
- Basic unit of classification: In botany, species is the main level used to group plants for naming, identification, and comparison. It links a plant to a genus and helps organize floras, field guides, and herbarium records.
- Clues to natural relationships: Comparing species helps botanists study evolution and variation within a genus. Shared traits can suggest common ancestry, while clear differences help separate closely related plants.
- Practical value in gardening: Knowing the species can improve plant selection and care because cold tolerance, mature size, flowering habit, and soil preferences often differ between close relatives.
Related Terms
Genus
Genus is a biological classification rank used to group closely related plant species that share key inherited traits…
Subspecies
Subspecies are a taxonomic rank in botany below species. They identify naturally occurring plant populations within a…
Taxon
Taxon is a biological classification unit used to group organisms that share defined traits and evolutionary…
Taxonomy
Taxonomy is the biological concept and scientific practice of identifying, naming, and classifying plants into groups…
Plant taxonomy
Plant taxonomy is the branch of botany that identifies, names, and classifies plants based on shared characteristics…