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Biology / Unit 8   Bio 1685 short lesson, about 20 seconds

The Biological Species Concept

Captions available

The idea

The biological species concept defines a species as organisms that can interbreed in nature and produce fertile, viable offspring.

In practice

Two dog breeds that can interbreed and produce fertile puppies count as the same species, regardless of their visible differences.

Where people slip

This definition tests interbreeding and fertile offspring — visible similarity or difference alone does not settle species membership.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

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