• RadicalEagle@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      They are the same species by the scientific definition. The meaning of the word “species” has become diluted over time as it was adopted by more people and misused, just like all language.

        • Atelopus-zeteki@kbin.run
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          5 months ago

          In mycology one will hear references to ‘lumpers’ and ‘splitters’ taxonomically. That is, do we lump these specimens together, or do we split them into difference groupings. When we look at the genetics, it has been the case that we find that those critters that appear similar may not be those that are related by genes/ evolution. And of course by “we” I mean the larger scientific community, not me and the mouse in my pocket. Oh wait, that’s not a mouse it’s a shrew. ;-)

      • tobogganablaze@lemmus.org
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        5 months ago

        My point exactly. That’s why I find it a bit strange that the post and some comments here act like it’s a certainty.

    • TheTetrapod@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      Standard middle school definition of species is applicable here. If they can breed and their offspring is fertile, they’re the same species.

      QED, Spock is sterile.

      • tobogganablaze@lemmus.org
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        5 months ago

        Standard middle school definition of species is applicable here

        And here I was thinking about looking into some of the papers for the actual reasons … but turns out those stupid scientists just wasted their time because they forgot about middle school. Fools!

        • TheTetrapod@lemmy.world
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          5 months ago

          I kind of thought the Spock thing would convey I wasn’t 100% serious in my reply to a weed shitpost.