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.

---

Example Sentences

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 • Mar. 9, 2026

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 • Mar. 9, 2026

According to Zhang, conservation programs aimed at increasing population numbers could accidentally breed individuals from different species if cryptic species are not properly identified.

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

If what was once considered a single widespread species is split into several distinct cryptic species, each newly identified species occupies a smaller geographic range.

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

Bond had long suspected the presence of cryptic species, a term for species that appear similar but are genetically distinct.

From Science Daily • Nov. 2, 2025