if we differentiate between species by not being able to provide fertile descendents. Why do we say neanderthals were a different species from us but also say we got some of their genes via cross reproduction?
In: Biology
“Species” isn’t an especially scientific term precisely because its usage varies and contains many exceptions. The procreation argument is a rule of thumb but one we know has exceptions (for example there are documented cases of Ligers procreating).
The reality is that species don’t sit in discrete boxes neatly, and so rules of thumb shorthand is the best we can get when it comes to common vocabulary.
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