In: Biology
Hundreds of different dog breeds have been recognized, and you have probably already identified your very favorite breed! Historically, dog breeds have been traditionally grouped together as one species. However, there is an ongoing debate about what actually defines a "species." This week, you have learned about several different species concepts (each defining the term "species" based on different criteria.) Refer to the Morphological Species Concept, the Biological Species Concept, and the Phylogenetic Species Concept in your discussion about whether all dogs from all breeds should be grouped as one species.
Dogs come in various breeds , from German Shephherds to poodles, to Dobermans to Great Danes and a lot more. Their various breeds differ in shape, size , looks,height,behaviour. Still all the dog breeds can be considered as one single species.
Going by the Morphological Species concept, which clusters organisms into a species based on their looks, phenotype and also genotype to an extent, they might be one species based on their general structure and shape . Going by this species concept alone, considering all dog breeds as one species wouldnt be convincing enough because of so much variation in their extrenal appearances.
The Biological Species concept teaches that organisms of the same species should be able to mate and reproduce resulting in a fertile , viable offspring.It takes into account prezygotic and postzygotic barriers that members of the same species have to overcome in order to produce a viable offspring, (the offspring should also be able to reproduce).
Dogs of different breeds have demonstrated this principle of the Biological species concept.There are puppies (from cross of different breeds) who go on to reproduce healthy offspring
The Phylogenetic species concept is based on the principle that members of a species must originate from a common ancestor. That all the members of a species, inspite of being geographically isolated, isolated by other factors, would have some key common traits.
Dogs of all breeds do have common teeth structure, dietery habits and more.