[BIOL 1001] - Midterm Exam Guide - Ultimate 32 pages long Study Guide!
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The basic unit of taxonomic classification, consisting of a population or group of populations or group of populations that evolves separately from other populations. A group of populations whose members interbreed freely with one another under natural conditions but do not interbreed with members of other populations. Naturally interbreeding populations that are reproductively isolated from other such populations. Based off observation that reproductive isolation ensures evolutionary independence. Because the definition is based on patterns of sexual reproduction, it does not help us to determine species boundaries among asexually reproducing organisms. Its not always practical or even possible to directly observe whether members of two different groups interbreed. The failure of organisms of one population to breed successfully with members of another. May be due to premating or post mating isolating mechanisms. Differences in appearance do not always mean that two populations belong to different species.