Asexual Speciation: Distinguishing Species of Asexual Organisms

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Distinguishing species of asexual organisms poses challenges not present in sexual species, as traditional definitions based on reproductive capabilities are often inadequate. The definition of species has evolved to focus on populations with high genetic similarity, but this approach can be subjective and lacks clear objectivity. The discussion highlights the complexities involved in categorizing asexual organisms and the limitations of current definitions. Participants express a mix of understanding and concern regarding the subjectivity of these criteria. Overall, the conversation underscores the need for more precise methods in species classification for asexual organisms.
Archosaur
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It's easy to distinguish species of sexual organisms, but how do we distinguish species of asexual organisms?
 
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Archosaur said:
It's easy to distinguish species of sexual organisms,
Quite often it isn't.

The defn "species = can reproduce" isn't always very accurate however useful it is .

It's been replaced by the more accurate but pretty useless defn = "populations of organisms that have a high level of genetic similarity"
 
mgb_phys said:
high level of genetic similarity"

Wow, that's pretty subjective...
Now I see what all the fuss is about.

I was a little afraid it would be something like that, haha.
(Not that I can think of a more objective rule)

Thanks for the info!
 

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