Species Concepts in Biology

Historical Development, Theoretical Foundations and Practical Relevance

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Ecology, Evolution, Nature
Cover of the book Species Concepts in Biology by Frank E. Zachos, Springer International Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Frank E. Zachos ISBN: 9783319449661
Publisher: Springer International Publishing Publication: October 5, 2016
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Frank E. Zachos
ISBN: 9783319449661
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Publication: October 5, 2016
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

Frank E. Zachos offers a comprehensive review of one of today’s most important and contentious issues in biology: the species problem. After setting the stage with key background information on the topic, the book provides a brief history of species concepts from antiquity to the Modern Synthesis, followed by a discussion of the ontological status of species with a focus on the individuality thesis and potential means of reconciling it with other philosophical approaches.
More than 30 different species concepts found in the literature are presented in an annotated list, and the most important ones, including the Biological, Genetic, Evolutionary and different versions of the Phylogenetic Species Concept, are discussed in more detail. Specific questions addressed include the problem of asexual and prokaryotic species, intraspecific categories like subspecies and Evolutionarily Significant Units, and a potential solution to the species problem based on a hierarchical approach that distinguishes between ontological and operational species concepts. A full chapter is dedicated to the challenge of delimiting species by means of a discrete taxonomy in a continuous world of inherently fuzzy boundaries. Further, the book outlines the practical ramifications for ecology and evolutionary biology of how we define the species category, highlighting the danger of an apples and oranges problem if what we subsume under the same name (“species”) is in actuality a variety of different entities.
A succinct summary chapter, glossary and annotated list of references round out the coverage, making the book essential reading for all biologists looking for an accessible introduction to the historical, philosophical and practical dimensions of the species problem.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Frank E. Zachos offers a comprehensive review of one of today’s most important and contentious issues in biology: the species problem. After setting the stage with key background information on the topic, the book provides a brief history of species concepts from antiquity to the Modern Synthesis, followed by a discussion of the ontological status of species with a focus on the individuality thesis and potential means of reconciling it with other philosophical approaches.
More than 30 different species concepts found in the literature are presented in an annotated list, and the most important ones, including the Biological, Genetic, Evolutionary and different versions of the Phylogenetic Species Concept, are discussed in more detail. Specific questions addressed include the problem of asexual and prokaryotic species, intraspecific categories like subspecies and Evolutionarily Significant Units, and a potential solution to the species problem based on a hierarchical approach that distinguishes between ontological and operational species concepts. A full chapter is dedicated to the challenge of delimiting species by means of a discrete taxonomy in a continuous world of inherently fuzzy boundaries. Further, the book outlines the practical ramifications for ecology and evolutionary biology of how we define the species category, highlighting the danger of an apples and oranges problem if what we subsume under the same name (“species”) is in actuality a variety of different entities.
A succinct summary chapter, glossary and annotated list of references round out the coverage, making the book essential reading for all biologists looking for an accessible introduction to the historical, philosophical and practical dimensions of the species problem.

More books from Springer International Publishing

Cover of the book Quantitative Evaluation of Systems by Frank E. Zachos
Cover of the book Advances in Brain Inspired Cognitive Systems by Frank E. Zachos
Cover of the book Multi-Targeted Approach to Treatment of Cancer by Frank E. Zachos
Cover of the book Machine Learning Paradigms by Frank E. Zachos
Cover of the book Transionospheric Synthetic Aperture Imaging by Frank E. Zachos
Cover of the book Low Earth Orbit Satellite Design by Frank E. Zachos
Cover of the book Clinical Applications of Biomaterials by Frank E. Zachos
Cover of the book Materials for Construction and Civil Engineering by Frank E. Zachos
Cover of the book 100 Chemical Myths by Frank E. Zachos
Cover of the book Aortic Dissection: Simulation Tools for Disease Management and Understanding by Frank E. Zachos
Cover of the book Electronic Democracy in Europe by Frank E. Zachos
Cover of the book Post-Quantum Cryptography by Frank E. Zachos
Cover of the book Exergy for A Better Environment and Improved Sustainability 1 by Frank E. Zachos
Cover of the book Principles and Practice of Constraint Programming by Frank E. Zachos
Cover of the book R2P and the US Intervention in Libya by Frank E. Zachos
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy