What is a species in biological terms?

In biological terms, a species is defined as a group of organisms that can reproduce with one another and produce fertile offspring. This definition emphasizes the reproductive isolation that typically distinguishes one species from another. Members of a species share common characteristics and genetic similarities, making them capable of interbreeding.

When individuals from the same species mate, the offspring produced inherit genetic material from both parents, leading to a continuation of the species' traits and characteristics over generations. This ability to reproduce successfully is what solidifies their classification as a species. It is essential for maintaining genetic diversity and adaptation within a population.

Other options, such as the notion that a species consists of organisms that cannot reproduce or that any organisms living in a shared habitat form a species, do not align with the biological concept of a species. Additionally, defining a species as a type of genetic mutation does not accurately reflect the fundamental characteristics that define a species in the biological context.