# of true apisto species: was Re: Evolution in a microcosm

[Mike & Diane Wise <apistowise@fgn.net>]

Zack,

Where the number of true species are concerned, I tend to agree with you. Most
of the 200 different forms now known may only be populations of as few as 30
species. Now that's saying something, since over 50 scientifically described
species are presently considered valid.

Have you noticed that most of the time I don't use the word 'species'? I
purposely use the word 'form' instead. The problem right now is defining the
term 'species'. No one can agree on what a species is. Let's face it, the idea
of species is a man-made artifact.  Mother Nature couldn't care less about
species. As long as 2 organisms (for those that are sexual) can produce viable
offspring, that in turn can survive to reproduce themselves, that's all that
matters. Until we humans can agree on a definition for 'species' I prefer to
keep my 'forms' of apistos separate. You can always mix populations of 1 species
later, but you will have one Hell of a time unmixing the crosses of 2 species.
That's why I prefer to overly split rather than over lump right now.

Until this list cools on the evolution thread(s), I think it's best for me to
keep my thoughts to myself. Someone ask me next month.

Mike Wise

Zack Wilson wrote:

> I'd like to discuss
> the possibility that Apistos may be WAY too separated into individual
> species. I think that many of what we call species are in fact just
> selectively (natural pressures of course) bred into these variations from an
> original species. The best way to test this that I can see is by breeding
> tests. If we can produce viable, healthy young consistently then it is my
> contention that this would mean we have one species, with individual
> populations. Now this is where the controversy starts. The old definition of
> species would have made this quite acceptable. However, some in the
> scientific community would like to redefine species in a way more agreeable
> to their evolution-based ideas.
>
> I'd love to hear Mike's views on the subject. I would hope everyone can be
> intellectually open enough to allow someone from the other side to voice
> their thoughts. If I can only speak up if I believe the same as you do, then
> I find that truly sad.
>
> Zack Wilson
>
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