Speciation and the Recognition Concept: Theory and Application

Developed by Hugh E. H. Paterson in the 1970s, the Recognition Concept of Species stressed the importance of the Specific-Mate Recognition System (SMRS) and offered a view of species which was radically different from the traditional Isolation Concept. Paterson held that new species were formed through incidental changes in the SMRS rather than being directly promoted. In the two decades since Paterson first advanced his theory, evolutionary biologists around the world have had the opportunity to use this approach in their work. Speciation and the Recognition Concept is the first book to bring together a group of leading researchers to examine the relevance of Paterson's ideas today for this important topic in evolutionary biology. Representing a wide variety of viewpoints, the contributors explore the consequences of applying the concept to areas as diverse as the fossil record, insect taxonomy, the structure of mate recognition systems, speciation models, and the concept function in biology. "The Recognition Concept of species," write the editors, "is important to biology because it represents an innovative approach to the resolution of the problem of biological diversity. The concept is based upon an analysis of the logic and language of species studies. Consequently, it offers significant implications for ideas about the origin of species."