Ichthyological terms, not general ones.
Taxonomic rank into which a genus is divided, but otherwise difficult to delineate precisely with a single definition satisfying all eventualities still lacking to date. There exist a number of concepts of which the most popular in vertebrate taxonomy include the biological species concept and phylogenetic species concept.
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The number of species present in a given sample, habitat, or otherwise specified geographical region.
Latin term meaning a species of doubtful identity requiring further investigation; a questionable species.
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New species, usually given after the species name in a description instead of the author. Abbreviated to sp. nov. or sp. n.
Diverse group of closely-related, biologically distinct species occurring in an isolated area.
Scientific name of a species; binomen.
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Species concept based on the evolutionary relationships among organisms, specifically using common ancestry and shared evolutionary history to define species. Under this concept a species is essentially the smallest group of organisms that share a common ancestor and can be distinguished from other such groups via phylogenetic analyses. Each such grouping constitutes a distinct branch on an evolutionary tree. Subspecies tend not to be recognised and it is generally less restrictive than the biological species concept. Often abbreviated to PSC.
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Most popular concept of species in vertebrate zoology. Defines species as members of populations that do or potentially could interbreed and produce fertile offspring in nature, regardless of appearance, therefore somewhat more restrictive than the phylogenetic species concept. In theory species are thus separated from one another by some form of reproductive isolation, though in practice this does not always hold true. Often abbreviated to BSC.
A species occurring outside its known natural range, most often due to accidental or intentional dispersal by human activities. Also referred to as introduced or alien species.
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One of two or more very closely-related species that are reproductively isolated from one another but almost indistinguishable in morphologically and/or behaviourally. May occur sympatrically and even interbreed but are incapable of producing fertile hybrid offspring. Sometimes referred to as cryptic species.
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See exotic species.
See exotic species.
Species occurring in a given region or ecosystem only as a result of natural processes, with no human intervention.
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See nominal taxon.
Taxonomic rank below species, written in the form of a trinomen. Often applied to a geographically-separated population within a species that retains the capability to produce fertile offspring with other populations but may exhibit phenotypic differences.
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Containing a high number of species. Normally applied to a taxonomic group or specified geographical area.
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Specimen housed in a permanent, usually museum, collection, ideally including detailed collection data such as date, location, etc.. Assigned a specific code in order in case later reference is required. May be a type specimen.
In zoological nomencature, the second name in a binomen and in a trinomen. Has no nomenclatural function when used alone, though this is often done in aquarium literature or when referring to a species in passing if the genus being referred to is already clearly known. Also known as specific name.
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Evolutionary formation of new biological species.
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Speciation event driven by some form of physical separation, e.g., the formation of new mountain ranges, followed by development of new genotypes and/or phenotypes.
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