According to the biological species concept, what defines a species?

The biological species concept defines a species primarily based on the ability of organisms to interbreed and produce viable offspring. This definition emphasizes reproductive isolation, meaning that members of the same species can mate and produce offspring that can also reproduce, which is a key factor in maintaining the genetic continuity of the species. By focusing on the potential for interbreeding, this concept identifies species as distinct groups, separate from other groups that do not interbreed successfully. This view fosters an understanding of how species evolve and adapt over time, as gene flow between populations can lead to new traits that enhance survival and reproduction.

Other options present different criteria that do not align with the biological species concept. Simply living in the same habitat does not ensure interbreeding capabilities or reproductive isolation. Morphological similarities can be misleading, as different species may exhibit similar physical traits due to convergent evolution rather than shared lineage. Lastly, evolutionary history is informative for understanding relationships among organisms, but it doesn’t define a species in terms of their reproductive interactions, which is essential in the biological species concept.