Final answer:
The ecological species concept is considered the ideal species concept in biology. However, it can be difficult to apply in practice, especially with plants, fungi, and asexual organisms. Conservation efforts are more efficient when focused on ecosystems and landscapes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ideal species concept in biology is the ecological species concept. This concept emphasizes the role of natural selection in maintaining species boundaries, rather than relying solely on gene flow. It recognizes that species can coexist and even reproduce successfully in hybrid zones, but still maintains the integrity of distinct species.
However, the ecological species concept can be difficult to apply in practice. Determining species boundaries and identifying interbreeding groups can be challenging, especially with plants, fungi, and asexual organisms. Taxonomic decisions often rely on subjective judgments, leading to variations in defining taxonomic groups.
Despite these difficulties, conservation biologists argue that focusing on whole ecosystems and landscapes rather than individual species can be a more effective approach to conservation efforts.