Species concepts formalize evolutionary and ecological processes, but often conflict with one another when considering the mechanisms that ultimately lead to species delimitation. Evolutionary biologists are, however, recognizing that the conceptualization of a species is separate and distinct from the delimitation of species. Indeed, if species are generally defined as separately evolving metapopulation lineages, then characteristics, such as reproductive isolation or monophyly, can be used as evidence of lineage separation and no longer conflict with the conceptualization of a species. However, little of this discussion has addressed the formalization of this evolutionary conceptual framework for macroalgal species. This may be due to the complexity and variation found in macroalgal life cycles. While macroalgal mating system variation and patterns of hybridization and introgression have been identified, complex algal life cycles generate unique eco‐evolutionary consequences. Moreover, the discovery of frequent macroalgal cryptic speciation has not been accompanied by the study of the evolutionary ecology of those lineages, and, thus, an understanding of the mechanisms underlying such rampant speciation remain elusive. In this perspective, we aim to further the discussion and interest in species concepts and speciation processes in macroalgae. We propose a conceptual framework to enable phycological researchers and students alike to portray these processes in a manner consistent with dialogue at the forefront of evolutionary biology. We define a macroalgal species as an independently evolving metapopulation lineage, whereby we can test for reproductive isolation or the occupation of distinct adaptive zones, among other mechanisms, as secondary lines of supporting evidence.

中文翻译：

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进化藻类学：迈向大型藻类概念框架1。


物种概念正式化了进化和生态过程，但在考虑最终导致物种界定的机制时往往相互冲突。然而，进化生物学家认识到物种的概念化与物种的界定是分开的和不同的。事实上，如果物种通常被定义为单独进化的集合种群谱系，那么诸如生殖隔离或单系等特征可以用作谱系分离的证据，并且不再与物种的概念化相冲突。然而，这些讨论很少涉及大型藻类物种进化概念框架的形式化。这可能是由于大型藻类生命周期的复杂性和变化所致。虽然大型藻类交配系统的变异以及杂交和基因渗入的模式已经被确定，但复杂的藻类生命周期产生了独特的生态进化后果。此外，频繁的大型藻类神秘物种形成的发现并没有伴随着对这些谱系的进化生态学的研究，因此，对这种猖獗的物种形成背后的机制的理解仍然难以捉摸。从这个角度来看，我们的目标是进一步促进对大型藻类物种概念和物种形成过程的讨论和兴趣。我们提出了一个概念框架，使藻类研究人员和学生能够以与进化生物学前沿对话一致的方式描绘这些过程。 我们将大型藻类物种定义为独立进化的集合种群谱系，由此我们可以测试生殖隔离或占据不同的适应区等机制，作为支持证据的辅助线。