A distinct population of organisms within a species that has adapted genetically to its local habitat. For example, some organisms may be able to tolerate different conditions of temperature or light intensity from other members of the same species. This may result in changes in their morphology or physiology. However, they are able to reproduce with other ecotypes of the same species and produce fertile offspring. These ecotypes may be sufficiently distinct to be given subspecific names, in which case they may be termed ecospecies. Compare cline. |
