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To: From many - one.
At first I thought this was a stronger definition based on speciation at the genetic level, but I'm not so sure:
We define a genetic species as a group of genetically compatible interbreeding natural populations that is genetically isolated from other such groups. This focus on genetic isolation rather than reproductive isolation distinguishes the Genetic Species Concept from the Biological Species Concept. Recognition of species that are genetically isolated (but not reproductively isolated) results in an enhanced understanding of biodiversity and the nature of speciation as well as speciation-based issues and evolution of mammals.
I haven't digested the article yet, but this seems to be a whole new concept.
8 posted on 08/24/2006 7:07:23 AM PDT by PatrickHenry (Everything is blasphemy to somebody.)
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To: PatrickHenry

I haven't digested it either, not that fast!

Still, all I'm seeing that's new-ish is an elaboration of crypto-species and I'm not sure they've actually defined a genetic boundary there. I expect we'll get there eventually though.


10 posted on 08/24/2006 7:15:54 AM PDT by From many - one.
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To: PatrickHenry

They are defining transitionals as new species.

Evil, evil, bad, bad... Everyone knows there are no transitionals, therefore according to the authors there are no species.

Yes, we are one with the microbe. We are one with the monkey.

We are all Brothers in Darwin.

(Gimme a banana).


14 posted on 08/24/2006 7:57:18 AM PDT by furball4paws (Awful Offal)
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To: PatrickHenry
We define a genetic species as a group of genetically compatible interbreeding natural populations that is genetically isolated from other such groups. This focus on genetic isolation rather than reproductive isolation distinguishes the Genetic Species Concept from the Biological Species Concept. Recognition of species that are genetically isolated (but not reproductively isolated) results in an enhanced understanding of biodiversity and the nature of speciation as well as speciation-based issues and evolution of mammals.

Maybe I'm missing something, but how can population A be genetically isolated from population B, if A is interbreeding with B.

77 posted on 08/24/2006 6:41:41 PM PDT by csense
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To: PatrickHenry

I haven't read the article, but it does look like the new definition is still not transitive. (But is need not be and perhaps cannot be, given the way biology works.)


80 posted on 08/24/2006 8:01:21 PM PDT by Doctor Stochastic (Vegetabilisch = chaotisch ist der Charakter der Modernen. - Friedrich Schlegel)
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