Conceituando espécie: uma discussão a partir do quadro conceitual de Darwin

This article investigates the Darwinian concept of species and its consequences for classifying living beings. In his formulation of evolutionary theory, Darwin (1872) introduces the concept of species as segments of population lineages. In this perspective, natural selection acts gradually and produces slight variations in individuals over time. The author links the evolutionary component with the idea that the species consists of taxonomic classification, in which strongly marked varieties are the central criterion for classifying descendant lineages. Later formulations of evolutionism maintained these components but sought to replace the classification criterion with more objective bases. The result was a proliferation of definitions and consequent controversy on the topic. The article argues that the historical inadequacies of Darwin's definition contributed to the emergence of this discussion. In conclusion, an argument in favor of natural selection will be developed based on the discussion between physiology and morphology as mechanisms for the emergence of new species.