The concept of species: Recognition versus Isolation

Abstract

The two concepts, Recognition and Isolation (traditionally, the Biological Species Concept), are descriptionbed, presented in historical perspective and compared. Some of the commonly held misconceptions about both concepts are outlined, and the major criticisms the Recognition Concept are countered. As a consequence, the assertion that SMRS characters are nothing more than pre-mating isolating mechanisms is dismissed, for it is based on a misunderstanding of the Recognition Concept. The Recognition is found to be distinct from the Isolation Concept in that the former not only accommodates all the supporting evidence of the latter, bu