Species and Populations

The “species problem” refers to the ongoing debate among biologists and philosophers of science over how to define and identify species. The problem stems from the fact that different concepts and criteria for defining species often lead to inconsistent and conflicting classifications. It highlights the complexities and nuances of defining and identifying species. In molecular ecology and evolution, this issue is particularly pertinent, as researchers rely on clear species boundaries to study genetic diversity, adaptation, and speciation. While different species concepts offer various advantages and limitations, the continued integration of molecular data provides new insights but also presents new challenges in resolving the species problem.