Distinct species that look nearly identical and are separated only by molecular or behavioural evidence.
Often discovered by DNA barcoding or acoustic differences; they affect conservation estimates because a single apparently widespread species may be several rare ones.
Cryptic species diversity is large in many groups. Conservation status of a single species may hide extinction risk of its parts.
Key idea: look-alikes may be different species.
Distinct species that look nearly identical and are separated only by molecular or behavioural evidence.
Cryptic Species is one of the 52 topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Species Delimitation, Extinction Rate Estimation, Conservation Biology.
Anopheles gambiae is a complex of species with different malaria transmission.
Work through the Beginner topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity first, such as Taxonomy, Binomial Nomenclature, Taxonomic Hierarchy, then return to Cryptic Species. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
The closest topics to Cryptic Species are Species Delimitation, Extinction Rate Estimation, Conservation Biology, Threats to Biodiversity. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Cryptic Species. To practise the whole of Taxonomy & Biodiversity, use the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz.
Cryptic Species: Distinct species that look nearly identical and are separated only by molecular or behavioural evidence. Species Delimitation: Methods integrating morphology, genetics and ecology to decide where species boundaries lie. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Species Delimitation and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Methods integrating morphology, genetics and ecology to decide where species boundaries lie.
🗂️ Taxonomy & BiodiversityCompares fossil background rates with current losses, suggesting a sixth mass extinction.
🗂️ Taxonomy & BiodiversityThe scientific study and protection of biodiversity.
🗂️ Taxonomy & BiodiversityHabitat loss, invasive species, pollution, overexploitation and climate change, often remembered as HIPPO.
🗂️ Taxonomy & Biodiversity