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Species concepts in agamic complexes: Applications in theRanunculus auricomus complex and general perspectives

  • Forum Species Concept In Agamic And Autogamic Complexes
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Abstract

The application of different current species concepts to the predominantly apomicticR. auricomus complex (goldilocks) is discussed. As with other uniparental reproducing organisms, biological species concepts are hardly applicable in apomictic groups. Information on reproductive systems, phenetic and ecological differentation, and evolutionary traits favour an “agamospecies” concept. It is argued that agamic lineages in goldilocks can be treated neither as subspecific taxa, nor as hybrids.

A general viewpoint is proposed that species are stable phases within a continuous process of diversification of ancestral-descendent lineages. Constancy of progeny, similarity of phenotype, and ecogeographical niches of organisms are regarded as the most important operational criteria for grouping and ranking of species. Mode of reproduction is seen as a feature of a species — not as a criterion for its definition. Internal stability of features is regarded as more important for species definition than the features themselves.

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  1. Department of Higher Plant Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Botany, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, A-1030, Wien, Austria

    Elvira Hörandl

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Hörandl, E. Species concepts in agamic complexes: Applications in theRanunculus auricomus complex and general perspectives. Folia Geobot 33, 335–348 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03216210

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