Species Concepts in Biology

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Frank E. Zachos provides a thorough exploration of the species problem, a significant and debated topic in biology. The book begins with essential background information and traces the history of species concepts from ancient times to the Modern Synthesis. It examines the ontological status of species, focusing on the individuality thesis and how it can be reconciled with various philosophical perspectives. An annotated list presents over 30 species concepts, with detailed discussions on key concepts such as the Biological, Genetic, Evolutionary, and various Phylogenetic Species Concepts. The text addresses specific challenges, including asexual and prokaryotic species, intraspecific categories like subspecies, and a hierarchical approach to resolving the species problem by distinguishing between ontological and operational concepts. A dedicated chapter tackles the complexities of defining species within a continuum of fuzzy boundaries. Additionally, the book highlights the implications for ecology and evolutionary biology, warning against the risks of conflating diverse entities under the same term. A summary chapter, glossary, and annotated references complete the work, making it an essential resource for biologists seeking an accessible introduction to the historical, philosophical, and practical aspects of the species problem.