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In [[biology]], '''biological specificity''' is the tendency of a characteristic such as a [[behaviour]]s or a [[biochemical]] variation to occur in a particular [[species]].
{{short description|Tendency of a characteristic to occur in a particular species}}
'''Biological specificity''' is the tendency of a characteristic such as a behavior or a [[biochemical]] variation to occur in a particular [[species]].
⚫
Biochemist [[Linus Pauling]] stated that "Biological specificity is the set of characteristics of living organisms or constituents of living organisms of being special or doing something special. Each animal or plant species is special. It differs in some way from all other species...biological specificity is the major problem about understanding life."<ref name="Pauling">{{cite book| first1= Linus |last1= Pauling| editor-first= Barbara |editor-last= Marinacci| title= Linus Pauling in His Own Words: Selections From His Writings, Speeches and Interviews| year= 1995| page= 96| publisher= Simon and Schuster| isbn= 9780684813875}}</ref>


== Biological specificity within ''Homo sapiens'' ==
⚫
Biochemist [[Linus Pauling]] stated that "Biological specificity is the set of characteristics of living organisms or constituents of living organisms of being special or doing something special. Each animal or plant species is special. It differs in some way from all other species." and "biological specificity is the major problem about understanding life".<ref name="Pauling">[[Linus Pauling]], Barbara Marinacci, ''Linus Pauling in His Own Words: Selections From His Writings, Speeches and Interviews'', (1995), p. 96.</ref>
''[[Homo sapiens]]'' has many characteristics that show the biological specificity in the form of behavior and [[morphology (biology)|morphological]] traits.

Morphologically, humans have an enlarged [[cranial capacity]]{{Citation needed|date=May 2020|reason=Not since H erectus: comparable with H neanderthalensis and H heidelbergensis, and very likely H denisova too.}} and more gracile features in comparison to other [[Hominini|hominins]]. The reduction of dentition is a feature that allows for the advantage of adaptability in diet and survival.<ref name= "close enc">{{Citation|last=Yi| first= Sang-hŭi |title=Close encounters with humankind : a paleoanthropologist investigates our evolving species|date=2018|url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/1027041581|publisher=Highbridge Audio|isbn=978-1-68441-033-0|oclc=1027041581|access-date=2020-05-22}}</ref> As a species, humans are culture dependent and much of human survival relies on the culture and social relationships.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Bleibtreu|first=Hermann K. |url= https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/001491836|title=Evolutionary anthropology; a reader in human biology|date=1969|publisher=Allyn and Bacon|location=Boston}}</ref> With the evolutionary change of the reduction of the pelvis and enlarged cranial capacity; events like childbirth are dependent on a safe, social setting to assist in the childbirth; a birthing mother will seek others when going into labor. This is a uniquely human experience, as other animals are able to give birth on their own and often choose to isolate themselves to do so to protect their young.<ref name= "close enc" />{{Citation needed|date=May 2020|reason=What about other hominins here? This must in fact be a characteristic of the genus Homo, not one of Homo sapiens alone}}

An example of a genetic adaptation unique to humans is the gene [[apolipoprotein E]] (APOE4) on [[chromosome 19]]. While chimpanzees may have the [[APOE gene]], the study "The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene appears functionally [[monomorphism (biology)|monomorphic]] in chimpanzees" shows that the diversity of the APOE gene in humans in unique.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=McIntosh|display-authors= 4|first1=Annick M.|last2=Bennett|first2=Calvin|last3=Dickson|first3=Dara|last4=Anestis|first4=Stephanie F.|last5=Watts|first5=David P. |last6= Webster |first6= Timothy H.|last7=Fontenot|first7=M. Babette|last8=Bradley|first8=Brenda J.|date=2012-10-24|title=The Apolipoprotein E (APOE) Gene Appears Functionally Monomorphic in Chimpanzees (''Pan troglodytes'')|journal=PLOS ONE|volume=7|issue=10|pages=e47760|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0047760|issn=1932-6203 |pmc= 3480407 |pmid= 23112842| bibcode= 2012PLoSO...747760M|doi-access= free}}</ref> The polymorphism in APOE is only in humans as they carry alleles APOE2, APOE3, APOE4; APOE4, which allows humans to break down fatty protein and eat more protein than their ancestors, is also a genomic risk factor for [[Alzheimer's disease]].

There are many behavioral characteristics that are specific to ''Homo sapiens'' in addition to childbirth. Specific and elaborate tool creation and use and language are other areas. Humans do not simply communicate; language is essential to their survival and complex culture. This culture must be learned, is variable and highly malleable to fit distinct social parameters.<ref name= MBH80>{{Cite book|last1=Hallinan|first1=Matthew Brennis|url=https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/100705294|title=Culture and human nature: an anthropological inquiry into the human phenomenon| publisher= University of California Berkeley| via= hathitrust.org |date=1980}}</ref> Humans do not simply communicate with a code or general understanding, but adhere to social standards, hierarchies, technologies, complex system of regulations and must maintain many dimensions of relationships in order to survive.<ref name= MBH80 /> This complexity of language and the dependence on culture is uniquely human.

Intraspecific behaviors and variations exist within ''Homo sapiens'' which adds to the complexity of culture and language. Intraspecific variations are differences in behavior or biology within a species. Variation in genetic expression of race and gender and complexities within society lead to [[Social constructionism|social constructs]] such as roles. <ref name= "close enc" />{{Citation needed|date=October 2024|reason=More information is needed to support this claim}} These add to power dynamics and hierarchies within the already multifaceted society.


==Subtopics==
==Subtopics==
Characteristics may further be described as being '''interspecific''', '''intraspecific''', and '''conspecific'''.
Characteristics may further be described as being '''interspecific''', '''intraspecific''', and '''conspecific'''.


===Interspecific===
'''Interspecificity''' (literally ''between/among species''), or being '''interspecific''', describes issues between individuals of separate [[species]]. These may include:
'''Interspecificity''' (literally ''between/among species''), or being '''interspecific''', describes issues between organisms of separate [[species]]. These may include:

* [[Interspecies communication]], communication between different species of animals, plants, fungi or bacteria
* [[Interspecies communication]], communication between different species of animals, plants, fungi or bacteria
* [[Interspecific competition]], when individuals of different species compete for the same resource in an ecosystem
* [[Interspecific competition]], when individuals of different species compete for the same resource in an ecosystem
* [[Interspecific feeding]], when adults of one species feed the young of another species
* [[Interspecific feeding]], when adults of one species feed the young of another species
* [[Interspecific hybrid]]ization, when two species within the same genus generate offspring. Offspring may develop into adults but may be sterile.<ref>{{Cite web| title= Interspecific hybridization Definition and Examples |work=BiologyOnline.com | url=https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/interspecific-hybridization| date=2019-10-07 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-23}}</ref>
* [[Interspecific hybrid]]ization
* [[Biological interaction|Interspecific interaction]], the effects organisms in a community have on one another
* [[Biological interaction|Interspecific interaction]], the effects organisms in a community have on one another
* [[Interspecific pregnancy]], pregnancy involving an embryo or fetus belonging to another species than the carrier
* [[Interspecific pregnancy]], pregnancy involving an embryo or fetus belonging to another species than the carrier


===Intraspecific===
'''Intraspecificity''' (literally ''within species''), or being '''intraspecific''', describes behaviors, [[biochemical]] variations and other issues within individuals of a single [[species]]. These may include:
'''Intraspecificity''' (literally ''within species''), or being '''intraspecific''', describes behaviors, [[biochemical]] variations and other issues within members of a single [[species]]. These may include:

* [[Intraspecific antagonism]], when individuals of the same species are hostile to one another
* [[Intraspecific antagonism]], when members of the same species are hostile to one another
* [[Intraspecific competition]], when individuals or groups of individuals from the same species compete for the same resource in an ecosystem
* [[Intraspecific competition]], when members or groups from the same species compete for the same resource in an ecosystem
* [[Intraspecific hybrid]]ization, hybridization between sub-species within a species.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Intraspecific hybridization Definition and Examples |work= BiologyOnline.com | url=https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/intraspecific-hybridization|date=2019-10-07| language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-23}}</ref>
* [[Intraspecific hybrid|Intraspecific hybridization]]
* [[Intraspecific mimicry]]
* [[Intraspecific mimicry]]


===Conspecific===
Two or more individual [[organism]]s, [[population]]s, or [[taxa]] are '''conspecific''' if they belong to the same [[species]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Conspecificity|title=Conspecificity|publisher=Biology online|accessdate= 5 December 2009}}</ref> Where different species can interbreed and their gametes compete, the conspecific gametes take precedence over heterospecific gametes. This is known as conspecific [[sperm precedence]], or conspecific pollen precedence in plants.
{{Anchor|conspecificdefinition}}Two or more [[organism]]s, [[population]]s, or [[taxa]] are '''conspecific''' if they belong to the same [[species]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/conspecificity |title=Conspecificity |work= BiologyOnline.com | access-date= 5 December 2009}}</ref> Where different species can interbreed and their gametes compete, the conspecific gametes take precedence over heterospecific gametes. This is known as conspecific [[sperm precedence]], or conspecific pollen precedence in plants.


===Heterospecific===
The [[antonym]] (opposite term) of conspecificity is the term '''heterospecificity''': two individuals are heterospecific if they are considered to belong to different biological species.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Heterospecificity|title=Heterospecificity|publisher=Biology online|accessdate= 5 December 2009}}</ref>
The [[antonym]] of conspecificity is the term '''heterospecificity''': two organisms are heterospecific if they are considered to belong to different biological species.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/heterospecificity|title=Heterospecificity|work= BiologyOnline.com | access-date= 5 December 2009}}</ref>


==Related concepts==
==Related concepts==
{{confused|Congenic}}
{{distinguish|Congenic}}
'''Congeners''' are organisms within the same [[genus]].<ref>[http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/congener Congener], Merriam-Webster.com. Accessed 2009-03-25</ref>
{{anchor|congener|Congener}}'''Congeners''' are organisms within the same [[genus]].<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/congener |title= Congener|
website= [[Merriam-Webster]].com| access-date= 2009-03-25}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
⚫
{{wiktionary|interspecific|intraspecific}}
{{Portal|Evolutionary biology}}
{{Portal|Evolutionary biology}}
* [[Evolutionary biology]]
* [[Evolutionary biology]]
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== External links ==
== External links ==
⚫
{{wiktionary|interspecific|intraspecific}}
{{Wiktionary|conspecific|confamilial}}
{{Wiktionary|conspecific|confamilial}}


[[Category:Evolutionary biology]]
[[Category:Evolutionary biology concepts]]

{{evolution-stub}}

Latest revision as of 03:46, 5 December 2024

Biological specificity is the tendency of a characteristic such as a behavior or a biochemical variation to occur in a particular species. Biochemist Linus Pauling stated that "Biological specificity is the set of characteristics of living organisms or constituents of living organisms of being special or doing something special. Each animal or plant species is special. It differs in some way from all other species...biological specificity is the major problem about understanding life."[1]

Biological specificity within Homo sapiens

[edit]

Homo sapiens has many characteristics that show the biological specificity in the form of behavior and morphological traits.

Morphologically, humans have an enlarged cranial capacity[citation needed] and more gracile features in comparison to other hominins. The reduction of dentition is a feature that allows for the advantage of adaptability in diet and survival.[2] As a species, humans are culture dependent and much of human survival relies on the culture and social relationships.[3] With the evolutionary change of the reduction of the pelvis and enlarged cranial capacity; events like childbirth are dependent on a safe, social setting to assist in the childbirth; a birthing mother will seek others when going into labor. This is a uniquely human experience, as other animals are able to give birth on their own and often choose to isolate themselves to do so to protect their young.[2][citation needed]

An example of a genetic adaptation unique to humans is the gene apolipoprotein E (APOE4) on chromosome 19. While chimpanzees may have the APOE gene, the study "The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene appears functionally monomorphic in chimpanzees" shows that the diversity of the APOE gene in humans in unique.[4] The polymorphism in APOE is only in humans as they carry alleles APOE2, APOE3, APOE4; APOE4, which allows humans to break down fatty protein and eat more protein than their ancestors, is also a genomic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

There are many behavioral characteristics that are specific to Homo sapiens in addition to childbirth. Specific and elaborate tool creation and use and language are other areas. Humans do not simply communicate; language is essential to their survival and complex culture. This culture must be learned, is variable and highly malleable to fit distinct social parameters.[5] Humans do not simply communicate with a code or general understanding, but adhere to social standards, hierarchies, technologies, complex system of regulations and must maintain many dimensions of relationships in order to survive.[5] This complexity of language and the dependence on culture is uniquely human.

Intraspecific behaviors and variations exist within Homo sapiens which adds to the complexity of culture and language. Intraspecific variations are differences in behavior or biology within a species. Variation in genetic expression of race and gender and complexities within society lead to social constructs such as roles. [2][citation needed] These add to power dynamics and hierarchies within the already multifaceted society.

Subtopics

[edit]

Characteristics may further be described as being interspecific, intraspecific, and conspecific.

Interspecific

[edit]

Interspecificity (literally between/among species), or being interspecific, describes issues between organisms of separate species. These may include:

Intraspecific

[edit]

Intraspecificity (literally within species), or being intraspecific, describes behaviors, biochemical variations and other issues within members of a single species. These may include:

Conspecific

[edit]

Two or more organisms, populations, or taxa are conspecific if they belong to the same species.[8] Where different species can interbreed and their gametes compete, the conspecific gametes take precedence over heterospecific gametes. This is known as conspecific sperm precedence, or conspecific pollen precedence in plants.

Heterospecific

[edit]

The antonym of conspecificity is the term heterospecificity: two organisms are heterospecific if they are considered to belong to different biological species.[9]

[edit]
Not to be confused with Congenic.

Congeners are organisms within the same genus.[10]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Pauling, Linus (1995). Marinacci, Barbara (ed.). Linus Pauling in His Own Words: Selections From His Writings, Speeches and Interviews. Simon and Schuster. p. 96. ISBN 9780684813875.
  2. ^ a b c Yi, Sang-hŭi (2018), Close encounters with humankind : a paleoanthropologist investigates our evolving species, Highbridge Audio, ISBN 978-1-68441-033-0, OCLC 1027041581, retrieved 2020-05-22
  3. ^ Bleibtreu, Hermann K. (1969). Evolutionary anthropology; a reader in human biology. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
  4. ^ McIntosh, Annick M.; Bennett, Calvin; Dickson, Dara; Anestis, Stephanie F.; et al. (2012-10-24). "The Apolipoprotein E (APOE) Gene Appears Functionally Monomorphic in Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)". PLOS ONE. 7 (10): e47760. Bibcode:2012PLoSO...747760M. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0047760. ISSN 1932-6203. PMC 3480407. PMID 23112842.
  5. ^ a b Hallinan, Matthew Brennis (1980). Culture and human nature: an anthropological inquiry into the human phenomenon. University of California Berkeley – via hathitrust.org.
  6. ^ "Interspecific hybridization Definition and Examples". BiologyOnline.com. 2019-10-07. Retrieved 2020-05-23.
  7. ^ "Intraspecific hybridization Definition and Examples". BiologyOnline.com. 2019-10-07. Retrieved 2020-05-23.
  8. ^ "Conspecificity". BiologyOnline.com. Retrieved 5 December 2009.
  9. ^ "Heterospecificity". BiologyOnline.com. Retrieved 5 December 2009.
  10. ^ "Congener". Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved 2009-03-25.
[edit]
Look up interspecific or intraspecific in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
Look up conspecific or confamilial in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
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