A species is a basic unit of classification. All members of the same species are capable of breeding to produce fertile offspring.In sexual reproduction any combination of the alleles of the parents can be passed on to the offspring.Definition:A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.The binomial naming system is used e.g. Homo sapiens for humans. A generic name is followed by the specific name. The genus is Homo and the species is sapiens.If the species name is not known then the genus name is followed by sp. e.g. Homo sp. An abbreviated genus is also sometimes used e.g. H. sapiens
A Species
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Specification: AQA Biology (7401), AS-level, 3.4.5 Species and taxonomy. Topic: Biodiversity.
Key terms in this lesson
- allele
- One of the different versions of a gene, arising by mutation, that occupy the same locus on homologous chromosomes.
- binomial nomenclature
- The system of naming organisms using two Latin names, the genus and the species.
- classification
- The organisation of living organisms into groups based on their similarities and differences.
More in Biodiversity
- Binomial System of Naming
- Courtship Behaviour
- Classification
- Taxonomy
- Domain
- Kingdoms
- Phylogeny
- Index of Diversity
All 33 lessons in Biodiversity · All AQA AS-level Biology topics