Kind vs. Species — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 8, 2024
"Kind" is a broad, non-scientific term referring to categories or types of objects or beings, often used in everyday language, while "species" is a specific biological classification, denoting a group of organisms capable of interbreeding.
Difference Between Kind and Species
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Kind" encompasses a wide range of categories across various contexts, including objects, ideas, and organisms, based on common characteristics or purposes. It's a versatile term used in everyday language to group items by similarity without adhering to a strict classification system. Whereas, "species" is a precise term used in biology to classify organisms into groups that share common characteristics and can reproduce with one another, forming a distinct group within the taxonomic hierarchy.
In daily conversation, "kind" allows for generalization and flexibility, making it easy to refer to groups of similar things without needing detailed knowledge. For instance, one might speak of different kinds of food, music, or cars, based on personal or cultural criteria. On the other hand, "species" requires specific scientific criteria to be met, including genetic similarity and the ability to produce fertile offspring, limiting its use to biological and environmental discussions.
The concept of "kind" does not follow a standardized classification system and can vary significantly based on individual perception, culture, and context. It's subjective and can refer to broad or narrow groupings. Conversely, the classification of "species" is determined by scientific research and consensus within the taxonomic system, following a more objective and standardized approach.
While "kind" can be applied flexibly across various fields and discussions, "species" is integral to understanding biodiversity, evolution, and conservation efforts. The precise definition of a species helps scientists communicate about and study the natural world, highlighting the relationships and differences among living organisms.
The use of "kind" is widespread in general discourse, useful for everyday categorizations and distinctions without the need for scientific accuracy. In contrast, "species" plays a critical role in biological sciences, underpinning research in ecology, genetics, and conservation, where precise identification and classification are crucial.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
A general grouping based on common characteristics
A specific group of organisms capable of interbreeding
Use
Broad, non-scientific contexts
Biological classification
Flexibility
Highly flexible and subjective
Strict and based on scientific criteria
Classification
Non-standardized, varies by context
Standardized within the taxonomic hierarchy
Purpose
General categorization or differentiation
Understanding biodiversity, evolution, and conservation
Field of Use
Everyday language, various fields
Biological sciences
Criteria
Common characteristics or purposes
Genetic similarity, ability to reproduce
Compare with Definitions
Kind
A general category based on similarities.
There are many kinds of books in the library.
Species
Follows a scientific naming convention.
Homo sapiens is the species name for humans.
Kind
Broad and versatile in application.
The museum features artifacts of all kinds.
Species
Defined by the ability to interbreed.
Tigers and lions are different species that can produce hybrid offspring.
Kind
Flexible and subjective in classification.
She prefers a certain kind of music.
Species
Integral to studies of biodiversity.
Discovering a new species in the rainforest is always exciting.
Kind
Used in various non-scientific contexts.
We need different kinds of tools for this project.
Species
A specific classification in biology.
The Cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus, is a species at risk of extinction.
Kind
Reflects common usage and perception.
There are only two kinds of people in the world, according to him.
Species
Used in conservation and ecology.
Protecting endangered species is vital for ecological balance.
Kind
A group of people or things having similar characteristics
More data of this kind would be valuable
All kinds of music
Species
A group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding. The species is the principal natural taxonomic unit, ranking below a genus and denoted by a Latin binomial, e.g. Homo sapiens.
Kind
Each of the elements (bread and wine) of the Eucharist
Communion in both kinds
Species
A kind or sort
A species of invective at once tough and suave
Kind
Having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature
He was very kind to me
She was a good, kind woman
Species
The visible form of each of the elements of consecrated bread and wine in the Eucharist.
Kind
Having or showing a friendly, generous, sympathetic, or warm-hearted nature.
Species
(Biology) A group of closely related organisms that are very similar to each other and are usually capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. The species is the fundamental category of taxonomic classification, ranking below a genus or subgenus. Species names are represented in binomial nomenclature by an uncapitalized Latin adjective or noun following a capitalized genus name, as in Ananas comosus, the pineapple, and Equus caballus, the horse.
Kind
Agreeable or beneficial
A dry climate kind to asthmatics.
Species
(Logic) A class of individuals or objects grouped by virtue of their common attributes and assigned a common name; a division subordinate to a genus.
Kind
A group of individuals or instances sharing common traits; a category or sort
Different kinds of furniture.
A new kind of politics.
Species
(Chemistry) A set of atoms, molecules, ions, or other chemical entities that possess the same distinct characteristics with respect to a chemical process or measurement.
Kind
A doubtful or borderline member of a given category
Fashioned a kind of shelter.
A kind of bluish color.
Species
A kind, variety, or type
"No species of performing artist is as self-critical as a dancer" (Susan Sontag).
Kind
Underlying character as a determinant of the class to which a thing belongs; nature or essence.
Species
The outward appearance or form of the Eucharistic elements that is retained after their consecration.
Kind
The natural order or course of things; nature.
Species
Either of the consecrated elements of the Eucharist.
Kind
Manner or fashion.
Species
Type or kind. race.}}
The male species
A new species of war
Kind
Lineal ancestry or descent.
Species
A group of plants or animals having similar appearance.
This species of animal is unique to the area.
Kind
Lineal ancestors or descendants considered as a group.
Species
A category in the classification of organisms, ranking below genus; a taxon at that rank.
Kind
A type, race or category; a group of entities that have common characteristics such that they may be grouped together.
What kind of a person are you?
This is a strange kind of tobacco.
Species
A particular type of atom, molecule, ion or other particle.
Kind
A makeshift or otherwise atypical specimen.
The opening served as a kind of window.
Species
(mineralogy) A mineral with a unique chemical formula whose crystals belong to a unique crystallographic system.
Kind
(archaic) One's inherent nature; character, natural disposition.
Species
An image, an appearance, a spectacle.
Kind
(archaic) Family, lineage.
Species
(obsolete) The image of something cast on a surface, or reflected from a surface, or refracted through a lens or telescope; a reflection.
I cast the species of the Sun onto a sheet of paper through a telescope.
Kind
(archaic) Manner.
Species
Visible or perceptible presentation; appearance; something perceived.
Kind
Goods or services used as payment, as e.g. in barter.
Species
(Christianity) Either of the two elements of the Eucharist after they have been consecrated.
Kind
Equivalent means used as response to an action.
I'll pay in kind for his insult.
Species
Coin, or coined silver, gold, or other metal, used as a circulating medium; specie.
Kind
(Christianity) Each of the two elements of the communion service, bread and wine.
Species
A component part of compound medicine; a simple.
Kind
Having a benevolent, courteous, friendly, generous, gentle, liberal, sympathetic, or warm-hearted nature or disposition, marked by consideration for – and service to – others.
Species
Plural of specie
Kind
Affectionate.
A kind man; a kind heart
Species
Visible or sensible presentation; appearance; a sensible percept received by the imagination; an image.
Wit, . . . the faculty of imagination in the writer, which searches over all the memory for the species or ideas of those things which it designs to represent.
Kind
Favorable.
Species
A group of individuals agreeing in common attributes, and designated by a common name; a conception subordinated to another conception, called a genus, or generic conception, from which it differs in containing or comprehending more attributes, and extending to fewer individuals. Thus, man is a species, under animal as a genus; and man, in its turn, may be regarded as a genus with respect to European, American, or the like, as species.
Kind
Mild, gentle, forgiving
The years have been kind to Richard Gere; he ages well.
Species
In science, a more or less permanent group of existing things or beings, associated according to attributes, or properties determined by scientific observation.
Kind
Gentle; tractable; easily governed.
A horse kind in harness
Species
A sort; a kind; a variety; as, a species of low cunning; a species of generosity; a species of cloth.
Kind
(obsolete) Characteristic of the species; belonging to one's nature; natural; native.
Species
Coin, or coined silver, gold, or other metal, used as a circulating medium; specie.
There was, in the splendor of the Roman empire, a less quantity of current species in Europe than there is now.
Kind
Characteristic of the species; belonging to one's nature; natural; native.
It becometh sweeter than it should be, and loseth the kind taste.
Species
A public spectacle or exhibition.
Kind
Having feelings befitting our common nature; congenial; sympathetic; as, a kind man; a kind heart.
Yet was he kind, or if severe in aught,The love he bore to learning was his fault.
Species
A component part of a compound medicine; a simple.
Kind
Proceeding from, or characterized by, goodness, gentleness, or benevolence; as, a kind act.
Species
The form or shape given to materials; fashion or shape; form; figure.
Kind
Gentle; tractable; easily governed; as, a horse kind in harness.
Species
(biology) taxonomic group whose members can interbreed
Kind
Nature; natural instinct or disposition.
He knew by kind and by no other lore.
Some of you, on pure instinct of nature,Are led by kind t'admire your fellow-creature.
Species
A specific kind of something;
A species of molecule
A species of villainy
Kind
Race; genus; species; generic class; as, in mankind or humankind.
Every kind of beasts, and of birds.
She follows the law of her kind.
Here to sow the seed of bread,That man and all the kinds be fed.
Kind
Sort; type; class; nature; style; character; fashion; manner; variety; description; as, there are several kinds of eloquence, of style, and of music; many kinds of government; various kinds of soil, etc.
How diversely Love doth his pageants play,And snows his power in variable kinds !
There is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
Diogenes was asked in a kind of scorn: What was the matter that philosophers haunted rich men, and not rich men philosophers?
Tax on tillage was often levied in kind upon corn.
Kind
To beget.
Kind
A category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality;
Sculpture is a form of art
What kinds of desserts are there?
Kind
Having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior;
Kind to sick patients
A kind master
Kind words showing understanding and sympathy
Thanked her for her kind letter
Kind
Liberal;
Kind words of praise
Kind
Conducive to comfort; beneficial;
The genial sunshine
A kind climate
Hot summer pavements are anything but kind to the feet
Kind
Expressing sympathy
Kind
Characterized by mercy, and compassion;
Compassionate toward disadvantaged people
Kind to animals
A humane judge
Kind
Agreeable;
A dry climate kind to asthmatics
Kind
Helpful to other people;
Helping an old lady with her bundles was his kind deed for the day
Kind
Tolerant and forgiving under provocation;
Our neighbor was very kind about the window our son broke
Kind
Showing consideration and anticipation of needs;
It was thoughtful of you to bring flowers
A neighbor showed thoughtful attention
Kind
Generously responsive;
Good-hearted but inept efforts to help
Take a kindly interest
A kindly gentleman
An openhearted gift to charity
Common Curiosities
How does kind differ from species?
Kind is a broad, flexible term used in everyday language for categorization, while species is a precise biological classification based on reproductive compatibility and genetic similarity.
Can the term kind be used in scientific contexts?
While kind can be used in scientific discussions, it lacks the precision and standardization of terms like species and is therefore less common in strictly scientific contexts.
What is a species?
A species is a group of living organisms that share genetic characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring, representing a specific classification in biology.
Can the definition of species vary?
While the basic definition of species as a group capable of reproducing fertile offspring is consistent, the application can vary slightly in complex cases, such as with hybrids reproducing organisms.
Is the classification of species subjective?
The classification of species is based on objective scientific criteria, although there can be debate and revision as new information becomes available.
How are new species identified?
New species are identified through research that demonstrates unique genetic characteristics and reproductive isolation from other known species.
What role does kind play in everyday language?
Kind facilitates general communication and categorization, allowing for the broad grouping of items, concepts, or organisms without the need for scientific precision.
What defines a kind?
A kind is defined by general characteristics or similarities that group objects, ideas, or organisms together, based on perception or purpose.
Why is the concept of species important in biology?
The concept of species is crucial for understanding the diversity of life, evolutionary processes, and conservation efforts, allowing scientists to classify and study organisms systematically.
How does the understanding of species contribute to conservation?
Understanding species helps in identifying biodiversity, assessing the health of ecosystems, and implementing measures to protect endangered species and their habitats.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Raincoat vs. Jerkin
Next Comparison
Adjective vs. PredicateAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
