The term "Species" was established and used for the first time by:

Correct option is B

The term "species" in its modern biological sense—as a basic unit of classification—was first clearly defined and used by John Ray, a 17th-century English naturalist. He is considered one of the founders of modern taxonomy and made significant contributions to the field of systematic biology.
�� John Ray's Contribution:
· In his work "Historia Plantarum" (1686), John Ray gave a clear definition of species based on reproductive characteristics, rather than just morphological traits.
· He described species as groups of organisms that can reproduce with one another and produce fertile offspring, aligning closely with the biological species concept used today.
· This was a major shift from earlier classifications, which were largely based on superficial characteristics.
Explanation for Each Option
(a) Imms ❌
· A well-known entomologist (A.D. Imms) known for Imms’ General Textbook of Entomology.
· He did not define or originate the concept of species.
(b) John Ray ✅
· Correct answer.
· First to define "species" biologically, based on reproductive capability.
(c) Aristotle ❌
· Contributed to early biological classification and logic but used a more philosophical approach.
· Did not define "species" in a reproductive or modern taxonomic sense.
(d) Lamarck ❌
· Proposed theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics and evolutionary ideas.
· Came after John Ray and did not coin or define the term "species".