Cenospecies

/ˌsenəˈspiːʃiz/ noun

Definition

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, or a species concept based on reproductive compatibility rather than morphological similarity.

Etymology

From Greek keno- (common, recent) plus species (kind, type). A biological classification term developed in the 20th century.

Kelly Says

A cenospecies is basically a group of organisms saying 'we can all make babies together,' which is why biologists use it to define what counts as the same species without getting bogged down in whether they look identical.

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