Please Read How You Can Help Keep the Encyclopedia Free The
nature of species is controversial in biology and philosophy.
Biologists disagree on the definition of the term ‘species,’ and
philosophers disagree over the ontological status of species.
Yet a proper understanding of species is important for a number
of reasons. Species are the fundamental taxonomic units of
biological classification. Environmental laws are framed in
terms of species. Even our conception of human nature is
affected by our understanding of species. In this entry, three
issues concerning species are discussed. The first is the
ontological status of species. The second is whether biologists
should be species pluralists or species monists. The third is
whether the theoretical term ‘species’ refers to a real category
in nature. - 1. Overview - 2. The Ontological Status of Species
- 3. Species Pluralism - 4. Does the Species Category Exist? -
5. Darwin and Species - 6. Summary - Other Internet Resources -
Related Entries What are biologi