What's What About Species? Let's Dive in Life Science!

🐾 What's What About Species? Let's Dive in Life Science!

So, we hear this all the time: "species." But, like, what does it really *mean*? Is it just one of those highfalutin terms used by scientists in order to sound all smart, or is there something deeper in it?

Spoiler alert: species are WAY cooler than you might think! Let's break it down, find out what they actually are, and why we should care.

 🌱 What is a Species *Exactly*?

Pretty much as simply put as possible, a **species**, you see, is an assemblage of organisms capable of engaging in *mating*, and producing their *fertile* offspring. Put simply, they are capable of producing offspring that can also give rise to further generations. Upon inability to accomplish that, they not the same species.

For example: humans and chimps cannot have babies together (thankful, right?). Because we are two different species. But lions and tigers? They can have babies that are called *ligers* (yes, these exist); however, those ligers are not able to procreate themselves. Hence, lions and tigers belong to different species.

🧬 Apparently, the *Biological Species Concept* (Not As Difficult As It Sounds)

Okay, I get that it sounds very science-y but really stay with me, okay? The most general criterion given to define species in biology is the **biological species concept**, formulated by Ernst Mayr. This definition is very simple in a way:

- A species is a group of organisms that can *mate* and produce *fertile offspring*;

- They are *isolated* from other species, meaning they do not normally interbreed with others.

So, lions and tigers? Different species. They just can't have babies that go on to have babies. That's what separates the two.

🦁 Why Should We Care About the Concept of Species?

Now you're probably thinking, "Why should I care about species?" And here goes the answer:

- **Evolution**: Since they indicate how life has evolved over time, the study of species provides information on how animals and plants adapt to different places.

- **Balance of Ecosystems**: A role is played by every species within the ecosystem. One missing species can mishmash the entire ecosystem.

- **Conservation**: At-risk species can be identified for conservation activities by recognizing which ones are endangered. Generally, protecting one species means safeguarding an entire ecosystem.

🐒 Species Are Complicated (Honestly, Not Always That Easy)

So the thing is, you won't always know when you're looking at two organisms of different species. Check out the **Red Fox** and the **Grey Fox**. They are pretty indistinguishable, but they are not even the same species! It isn't just how they look; there are behavioral, habitat, and reproductive considerations.

On hybrids--don't even get me started! For example, **ligers**, a lion and tiger mix. Mating, for lions and tigers, results in babies who cannot reproduce, which makes them hybrid species. Still somewhat gray for scientists when defining species. 

🐦Species in Nature, Everywhere!

Let's look at some of the examples of species found in nature.:

- African Elephants(*Loxodonta africana*) versus Asian Elephants(*Elephas maximus*): Yes, they are two elephants and belong to different species, they do look a bit different and also live in different parts of the world.

- Red Maple Trees(*Acer rubrum*) versus Sugar Maple Trees(*Acer saccharum*): They belong to the same family of trees, but there are species differences. Their shape and size, as well as the difference in their sap, are other such differences.

- **Dogs**: All those breeds like **Golden Retrievers**, **Pitbulls**, **Chihuahuas**? All share the same species name: *Canis lupus familiaris*. They are able to procreate and give birth to puppies, which make them the same species even if their looks are *super* different!

🌍 How Do Scientists Identify and Classify Species?

So how do scientists identify which species belongs to something? They use:

- **Physical Features**: For size, color, and shape to distinguish one species from another.

- **DNA**: Nowadays, they are using advanced technology of sequencing DNA to check whether organisms belong to the same species, as they might look so incredibly similar.

- **Behavior**: The behavior of the organism: how it eats, where it lives, and how it mates, helps determine the species, too.

🤔 Conclusion: More Than Names, Species 

At the end of the day, species are more than the labels we tag on organisms. They help us understand how life has progressed and changed, how organisms fit into their environments, and why they need protection.

So, the next time someone mentions species, you know it's not only a boring term, but a way to understand the surroundings-for better and for worse-for all those species we should keep around in the future. 

Thanks for reading! Do you have any comments or want some examples? Drop a comment below. I'll be more than happy to have a few words with you! 

Till next time,
Keep exploring, and stay curious!
— Team biologyatease