Disadvantages of Biological Species Concept
The limitation of biological species concept are as follows:
- Biological species concept does not focus on asexual organisms that produce offspring without sexual reproduction or interbreeding. Bacteria, fungi and protists reproduce asexually by the process of binary fission, budding and fragmentation. This makes it difficult for asexual organisms to be kept under the boundaries of species.
- This theory does not consider the allopatric population which are geographically isolated and cannot interbreed. Even if they are brought into contact, this theory will not be applicable as it relies on reproductive isolation.
- Biological species concept does not address the cases of hybridisation and introgression. Hybridisation occurs naturally or due to human activity caused due to introduction of non native species or due to habitat disturbance. Introgression is the process where genetic material transfers between species due to hybridisation.
- It only considers the living population and does not consider the extinct species and fossil records.
Also Read: Difference Between Bacteria And Fungi
Concept of Species
The concept of species is fundamental in biology, representing a group of organisms that share common characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. Various species concepts include the biological species concept, which emphasizes reproductive compatibility as the primary criterion. In this article, we will study the concept of species, their extinction, and more in detail.
Table of Content
- What is Concept of Species?
- Types of Species
- Extinction of Species
- Key Characteristics of Biological Species Concept
- Disadvantages of Biological Species Concept
- Difference Between Biological Species Concept and Evolutionary Species Concept