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			File:Heliconius_mimicry.png\|Species_complex
			File:Systematics-of-treefrogs-of-the-Hypsiboas-calcaratus-and-Hypsiboas-fasciatus-species-complex-(Anura-ZooKeys-370-001-g009.jpg\|Species_complex
			File:Kärpässienet.jpg\|Species_complex
			File:Loxodontacyclotis.jpg\|Species_complex
			File:Latest_Tank_setup_135172687.jpg\|Species_complex
			File:Sparganium_eurycarpum-Hetaerina_americana-male_perching.jpg\|Species_complex
			File:Salamandra_atra-01-Kaernten-2008-Thomas_Huntke.jpg\|Species_complex
			File:Salamandra_corsica.jpg\|Species_complex
			File:Salamandra_salamandra_(Marek_Szczepanek).jpg\|Species_complex
			File:Phylogeny_species_complex.svg\|Species_complex
			File:Cryptic_speciation.svg\|Species_complex
			File:AnophelesGambiaemosquito.jpg\|Species_complex
			</gallery>

Prab: CSV import

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'''Species complex''' is a term in [[biology]] and [[systematics]] that refers to a group of closely related [[species]] that are so similar in appearance that the boundaries between them are often unclear. Terms sometimes used synonymously but with more precise meanings are: [[cryptic species]] for two or more species hidden under one species name, [[sibling species]] for two cryptic species that are each other's closest relative, and [[species flock]] for a group of closely related species living in the same habitat. As a result, defining a species complex is a challenging task for [[taxonomists]] and [[biologists]].

== Definition and Identification ==

A '''species complex''' is typically defined as a group of two or more distinct species that are so closely related in their physical characteristics that they can be difficult to distinguish from one another. This can occur as a result of [[convergent evolution]], where different species evolve similar traits due to similar environments or ecological niches, or through [[reticulate evolution]], where species interbreed to produce hybrid species.

Identifying species within a complex can be challenging. Traditional methods, such as [[morphology]]-based identification, can be insufficient due to the high degree of physical similarity between species. Modern techniques, such as [[DNA sequencing]] and [[genetic analysis]], can provide more accurate identification.

== Examples ==

Examples of species complexes include the [[Anopheles gambiae]] complex, which includes several species of mosquitoes that transmit [[malaria]], and the [[Drosophila melanogaster]] complex, which includes several species of fruit flies used in genetic research. Other examples include the [[Herring Gull]] complex in birds and the [[Ensatina]] salamander complex.

== Implications for Conservation ==

Understanding and identifying species complexes is important for [[conservation biology]]. If a species complex is incorrectly identified as a single species, it may be that some of the actual species within the complex are at greater risk of extinction than is recognized. This can lead to inadequate conservation measures.

== See Also ==
* [[Ring species]]
* [[Hybrid (biology)]]
* [[Speciation]]

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Taxonomy]]
[[Category:Species]]
{{biology-stub}}

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:14, 18 February 2025
Line 27:		Line 27:
	[[Category:Species]]		[[Category:Species]]
	{{biology-stub}}		{{biology-stub}}
			<gallery>
			File:Heliconius_mimicry.png\|Species_complex
			File:Systematics-of-treefrogs-of-the-Hypsiboas-calcaratus-and-Hypsiboas-fasciatus-species-complex-(Anura-ZooKeys-370-001-g009.jpg\|Species_complex
			File:Kärpässienet.jpg\|Species_complex
			File:Loxodontacyclotis.jpg\|Species_complex
			File:Latest_Tank_setup_135172687.jpg\|Species_complex
			File:Sparganium_eurycarpum-Hetaerina_americana-male_perching.jpg\|Species_complex
			File:Salamandra_atra-01-Kaernten-2008-Thomas_Huntke.jpg\|Species_complex
			File:Salamandra_corsica.jpg\|Species_complex
			File:Salamandra_salamandra_(Marek_Szczepanek).jpg\|Species_complex
			File:Phylogeny_species_complex.svg\|Species_complex
			File:Cryptic_speciation.svg\|Species_complex
			File:AnophelesGambiaemosquito.jpg\|Species_complex
			</gallery>

Species complex - Revision history

Prab: CSV import

Prab: CSV import