Species

Definition

The term "species" refers to a group of living organisms that share common characteristics and are capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring. It is a fundamental category in biological classification.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈspiː.ʃiːz/, /ˈspiː.siːz/
• Respelling: SPEE-sheez, SPEE-seez

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈspiː.ʃiːz/, /ˈspiː.siːz/
• Respelling: SPEE-sheez, SPEE-seez

Etymology

The word "species" originates from Latin "species," meaning "appearance, form, or kind." It was adopted into Middle English during the 14th century and became a key term in scientific taxonomy.

Derivatives

• Speciation (noun)
• Subspecies (noun)
• Species-specific (adjective)
• Speciesism (noun)
• Species-rich (adjective)

Synonyms

• Type
• Kind
• Category

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "species" is used in scientific contexts to classify organisms, as well as in general language to refer to types or kinds. For example: "The tiger is an endangered species," or "They are studying a newly discovered species of insect."

Related Terms

• Genus: A rank in the biological taxonomy above species.
• Population: A group of organisms of the same species living in a specific area.
• Biodiversity: The variety of life forms within a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A classification of living organisms: Refers to a group capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
  • Example: "Humans belong to the species Homo sapiens."
• A type or kind: Refers to a particular group distinguished by shared characteristics.
  • Example: "The plant is a rare species of orchid."