Aggregate of species

Aggregate (of species) [ Taxonomy ]	Dictionary of botanic terminology index of names
Synonyms: Group, Complex (of species) Latin: Aggregatum (pl. Aggregata)

A species is referred as an "aggregate" (also complex or group) when several different subspecies, variety and forms often with subtle variation in morphology are described from across its vast range.

The variability in such a “complex” may be due to polymorphisms among different populations and individuals of the same species which are ecologically or geographically separated and whose members exhibit high, but not complete, specificity. Otherwise a complex may be due to the presence of multiple distinct (but morphologically similar) species living together in the same habitat.

The classification of a "complex" species remains problematic. There are in fact two tendency about how to classify species : by their differences or by their similarities depending on personal approach of taxonomists to recognizing differences or commonalities between organisms (See also: Lumpers & splitters)

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