Species vs. Varieties — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 21, 2024
Species is a fundamental biological classification grouping organisms capable of interbreeding, while varieties are subgroups within a species distinguished by minor differences.
Difference Between Species and Varieties
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Species is the basic unit of biological classification, defined as a group of organisms that can reproduce and have fertile offspring. Members of a species share common characteristics and genetic makeup, making them distinct from other species. Varieties, on the other hand, are subgroups within a species that exhibit distinct but minor differences. These differences can be in morphology, physiology, or behavior, and they often arise due to genetic variation or environmental factors.
Species are established through the concept of reproductive isolation, meaning that different species cannot successfully interbreed to produce fertile offspring. This reproductive barrier maintains the distinctiveness of each species. Varieties, however, do not face such barriers and can freely interbreed within their species, often producing offspring with mixed traits.
The classification of species is essential for understanding biodiversity and evolutionary relationships. It helps in identifying and categorizing the vast array of living organisms. Varieties are important in agriculture, horticulture, and ecology as they represent the diversity within a species, allowing for adaptation to different environments and human needs.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Basic unit of biological classification
Subgroups within a species with minor differences
Interbreeding
Members can interbreed and produce fertile offspring
Can interbreed within the same species
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Genetic Differences
Distinct genetic makeup from other species
Minor genetic or phenotypic differences
Reproductive Isolation
Usually present
Not present
Examples
Homo sapiens (humans)
Brassica oleracea varieties (cabbage, broccoli)
Compare with Definitions
Species
The basic unit of biological classification.
The species Panthera leo includes all lions.
Varieties
Often cultivated for specific traits.
Farmers select varieties of corn for their drought resistance or high yield.
Species
A distinct group with shared characteristics.
Scientists discovered a new species of frog in the rainforest.
Varieties
Different forms or types within the same species.
There are many varieties of roses, each with unique colors and shapes.
Species
Organisms that are reproductively isolated from others.
Equus ferus caballus (domestic horse) and Equus ferus przewalskii (Przewalski's horse) are different species.
Varieties
Subgroups within a species with distinct characteristics.
The tomato plant has several varieties, such as cherry, heirloom, and beefsteak.
Species
A classification category in taxonomy.
Felis catus is the species name for domestic cats.
Varieties
Minor genetic or phenotypic differences within a species.
The apple species Malus domestica includes varieties like Granny Smith and Fuji.
Species
In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate sexes or mating types can produce fertile offspring, typically by sexual reproduction.
Varieties
The quality or condition of being various or varied; diversity
We need to add some variety to the program.
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.
Varieties
A number or collection of varied things, especially of a particular group; an assortment
Brought home a variety of snacks.
Species
A kind or sort
A species of invective at once tough and suave
Varieties
Something that is distinguished from others of the same kind by a specific characteristic or set of characteristics
Varieties of minerals.
Varieties of socialism.
Species
The visible form of each of the elements of consecrated bread and wine in the Eucharist.
Varieties
A form of a language that is used by a specific social group and differs from forms used by other social groups
Regional varieties of English.
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.
Varieties
(Biology) A taxonomic subdivision of a species or subspecies consisting of a group of naturally occurring or selectively bred individuals that differ from other individuals of the species in certain minor characteristics.
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.
Varieties
A variety show.
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.
Varieties
Plural of variety.
Species
A kind, variety, or type
"No species of performing artist is as self-critical as a dancer" (Susan Sontag).
Varieties
Can freely interbreed within the species.
Different varieties of wheat can be crossbred to develop new strains.
Species
The outward appearance or form of the Eucharistic elements that is retained after their consecration.
Species
Either of the consecrated elements of the Eucharist.
Species
Type or kind. race.}}
The male species
A new species of war
Species
A group of plants or animals having similar appearance.
This species of animal is unique to the area.
Species
A category in the classification of organisms, ranking below genus; a taxon at that rank.
Species
A particular type of atom, molecule, ion or other particle.
Species
(mineralogy) A mineral with a unique chemical formula whose crystals belong to a unique crystallographic system.
Species
An image, an appearance, a spectacle.
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.
Species
Visible or perceptible presentation; appearance; something perceived.
Species
(Christianity) Either of the two elements of the Eucharist after they have been consecrated.
Species
Coin, or coined silver, gold, or other metal, used as a circulating medium; specie.
Species
A component part of compound medicine; a simple.
Species
Plural of specie
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.
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.
Species
In science, a more or less permanent group of existing things or beings, associated according to attributes, or properties determined by scientific observation.
Species
A sort; a kind; a variety; as, a species of low cunning; a species of generosity; a species of cloth.
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.
Species
A public spectacle or exhibition.
Species
A component part of a compound medicine; a simple.
Species
The form or shape given to materials; fashion or shape; form; figure.
Species
(biology) taxonomic group whose members can interbreed
Species
A specific kind of something;
A species of molecule
A species of villainy
Species
A group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
All domestic dogs belong to the species Canis lupus familiaris.
Common Curiosities
What is a species?
A species is a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring, sharing common characteristics.
Can species interbreed?
Members of the same species can interbreed, but different species generally cannot produce fertile offspring.
How are species classified?
Species are classified based on reproductive isolation, genetic makeup, and shared characteristics.
Can varieties interbreed?
Yes, varieties within the same species can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
Why is the concept of species important?
The concept of species is crucial for understanding biodiversity, evolutionary relationships, and ecological dynamics.
How are varieties classified?
Varieties are classified based on minor differences within a species, often related to specific traits.
Can new species evolve from varieties?
Over long periods, varieties can evolve into new species if they become reproductively isolated and accumulate significant genetic differences.
What are varieties?
Varieties are subgroups within a species, distinguished by minor differences in traits such as appearance or behavior.
Do varieties have the same evolutionary origin?
Yes, varieties originate from the same species and share a common evolutionary background.
Are varieties genetically identical?
No, varieties have minor genetic differences that distinguish them within the same species.
What is an example of varieties?
An example of varieties is the different types of Brassica oleracea, such as cabbage, broccoli, and kale.
Why are varieties significant in agriculture?
Varieties are significant in agriculture as they offer genetic diversity, allowing crops to adapt to different environments and human needs.
What is an example of a species?
An example of a species is Homo sapiens, which includes all modern humans.
Can varieties be artificially selected?
Yes, varieties can be artificially selected for desirable traits in agriculture and horticulture.
Do species share a common ancestor?
Yes, species within the same genus or family often share a common evolutionary ancestor.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
