[DManA]

This cracks me up. If two creatures can mate and deliver fertile offspring aren’t they the same species? Apparently, from what I read, that is the case between Neanderthals and “modern” men.

[ClearCase_guy]

Modern biology has about 1000 definitions of “species”. Based on whichever bit of evidence is being examined, they choose a definition of species which does not invalidate Evolution. It’s really more Art than Science.

[DManA]

I rest my case:

[davisfh]

"If two creatures can mate and deliver fertile offspring aren’t they the same species?"

I believe that there is a problem in describing "species." I know that horses and donkeys can produce a sturdy work animal called a mule. Mules aren't supposed to be able to reproduce but, from time to time, they do reproduce.

But, in the case of traditional humans and Neanderthals, I believe that one would have to be very drunk to tie up with one of those.

[davisfh]

"If two creatures can mate and deliver fertile offspring aren’t they the same species?"

I believe that there is a problem in describing "species." I know that horses and donkeys can produce a sturdy work animal called a mule. Mules aren't supposed to be able to reproduce but, from time to time, they do reproduce.

But, in the case of traditional humans and Neanderthals, I believe that one would have to be very drunk to tie up with one of those.

[PapaBear3625]

This cracks me up. If two creatures can mate and deliver fertile offspring aren’t they the same species? Apparently, from what I read, that is the case between Neanderthals and “modern” men.

The common definition of "species" has a set of organisms belonging to the same species if a male and female can produce fertile offspring. If Neanderthals could successfully interbreed with modern humans then Neanderthal was just another race of human.