Final answer:
The phylogenetic species concept advocates a high number of species because it recognizes each branch of a phylogenetic tree as a separate species, capturing the full range of diversity generated by evolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phylogenetic species concept advocates a high number of species because it considers each branch of a phylogenetic tree as a separate species. According to this concept, each small divergence in the tree is considered as a new species. For example, if two populations of a species become geographically isolated and diverge over time, each population would be treated as a separate species.
This concept aims to capture the full range of diversity generated by evolution by recognizing the importance of preserving all branches and terminal twigs of the phylogenetic tree. By focusing on maintaining evolutionary distinctiveness, it helps protect the variation produced by evolution and prevents the loss of unique genetic traits.