DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BREED AND SPECIES
The main difference between breed and species is that breed is a specific group of animals that is selectively bred for the preservation of specific characteristics whereas, species is the largest group that can produce a fertile offspring through breeding. So, breed is a smaller group of animals than species. Several breeds can be identified in a particular species.
For example, Sahiwal and Gir cattle are two types of breeds of the species Bovine (Cattle, Buffalo).
What is a Breed?
- A breed is a specific group of domestic animals having homogeneous phenotype, behavior, and other characteristics that distinguish it from other organisms of the same species.
- Therefore, breed is a stock of animals within a particular species with distinctive characteristics, which is produced by selective breeding.
- Hence, each breed consists of unique appearance and behavior when compared to another breed of the same species.
- This means breeds are produced by the genetic isolation. The natural adaptation of organisms to their environment may also produce a separate breed.
What is a Species?
- In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity.
- A species refers to the largest group of organismsin which any two individuals of the appropriate sexes or mating types can produce fertile offspring, typically by sexual reproduction. In other words, a species refers to a group of organisms that have similar characteristics and breed to produce a fertile offspring.
- Several breeds can be identified in a particular species.
- The exchange of genes between the individuals of the species or the gene flow is the major characteristic feature of a species. The gene flow does not occur among different species.
- Speciation refers to the emergence of new species from the existing species. It occurs due to physical, behavioral, and reproductive isolation of different populations of the same species.
Similarities
With reference to above points, following similarities are seen:
- Both breed and species are groups of organisms that can successfully breed to produce fertile offspring.
- Both breed and species consist of organisms with similar morphological and behavioral characteristics.
Differences
Particulars Breed Species Animal or Plant or microorganisms? A breed is typically made up of domestic animals. Species can be made up of animals, plants or microorganisms. Group size Smaller than a species. Species may contain several breeds. Selection Species may contain several breeds. Naturally selected group of organisms. Variation Individual variations within a breed are comparatively low. High. Subdivision Breeds lack subdivisions. Sub-species is the subdivision of the species. Examples Sahiwal and Gir are two indigenous breed of cattle. Bovine (cattle, Buffalo), Ovine (Sheep), Caprine (Goat).
Read also…
ANIMAL BREEDING- BREEDING AND VARIATION
SYSTEMS OF BREEDING- DIFFERENT METHODS