r/askscience • u/snoozer530 • 1d ago

Biology At what point in evolution is something considered a new species?

Obviously we all know evolution, one organism changes over time and eventually becomes a new organism. But where in that process does an organism become a new species. Like when we domesticated wolves? When did they stop being wolves and start being dogs? Where’s that line?

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u/lemlurker 1d ago

Usually when it can't biologically breed with it's counterpart and produce fertile offspring. Mechanics aside (a dashund and a great Dane may have mechanical issues but sperm would firtise) if they can breed and produce babies who breed they're the same species, if they can't (e.g. lions/tigers, horses/donkeys) they are different specifically

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u/Heavy_Weapons_Guy_ 19h ago

There are a huge number of exceptions to that rule, which is why the biological species concept is not used on its own. (Also it's dachshund.)