QUICK LINKS
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification (see the diagram at the side -- a genus contains one or more species, etc.) A usable definition of the word "species" and reliable methods of identifying particular species are essential for stating and testing biological theories and for measuring biodiversity. A species consists of individual organisms that are very similar in appearance, anatomy, physiology, and genetics due to having relatively recent common ancestors. Traditionally, multiple examples of a proposed species must be studied for unifying characters before it can be regarded as a species.
...More from Wikipedia site
The complexity of defining species illustrate its deficiencies as a category of analysis. How should we consider species' differences/similarities?
The variety of characteristics within a single species may be intense: consider brassica oleracea, a single plant species whose cultivars include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, among many others.
So what are differences between species and what do they signify? What creates symbiotic relationships between species, so that one cannot function as well without the other? Should species be considered on a less biological, and more social/practical level? How can the Birds be seen as putting forth an idea of symbiosis to the Gods, sharing the 'imperium' -- that is, the celestial power over humans?
Back to: Birds' ideas research
