Species Complex, Species Concepts and Characterization of Cryptic Diversity:Vignettes from Indian Systems

Species are one of the fundamental units of evolution and to this date, are largely described based on morphological characters. However, with the advent of molecular tools it has become apparent that many widely distributed species harbour cryptic diversity. Nevertheless, delimiting the members of such complexes is a challenge given these species exhibit very little or no morphological differences among them. In this regard, approaches that use multiple lines of evidence for species delimitation have gained ascendency. Here, I review a few recent studies from India, where application of an integrative approach has provided us with new insights into the systematics and evolution of these groups. Further, I discuss the implications of this approach on taxonomy in particular, and on ecological and evolutionary research in general.