Speciation and the Recognition Concept

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 by 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" brings together a group of leading researchers to examine the relevance of Paterson's ideas today for this 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.