cryptic species

American  

[krip-tik spee-sheez] / ˈkrɪp tɪk ˈspi ʃiz /

noun

1. a species that is genetically distinct from one or more other species but morphologically identical.

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Example Sentences

"Animals that look similar but are genetically distinct are called cryptic species," said Chan, who also serves as Curator of Vertebrate Collections and a core faculty member in MSU's Ecology, Evolution and Behavior program.

From Science Daily

Because of this, Chan noted that some of the growing number of proposed cryptic species could result from how scientists analyze the data rather than reflecting clear biological divisions.

From Science Daily

More recent models that factor in cryptic species suggest the true number could be far higher, possibly ranging from 7 to 250 times that figure.

From Science Daily

As Chan explained, "a ton of cryptic species are being discovered left and right."

From Science Daily

Cryptic species complicate that process.

From Science Daily