Note: Each concept has its own strengths and limitations, and scientists may use different concepts depending on the organism or question being studied.
The Biological Species Concept (BSC) defines a species as a group of organisms that can mate and produce viable offspring under natural conditions. This means that members of the same species are reproductively isolated from other species.
The Morphological Species Concept (MSC) defines a species based on its physical characteristics, such as size, shape, and color.
The Phylogenetic Species Concept (PSC) defines a species as a group of organisms that share a common ancestor and all of its descendants.
Life and Biology 