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[–] ditch-digger ago 

I do equate species to sub population of humans. The only reason why it's blurry is because its form and usage is already blurry. Species is the singular and plural form. Human species in general usage means all humans. Human species could also mean every species that can be considered human. It's annoying.

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[–] jxfaith 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago  (edited ago)

Right but how would you determine what point along the line a specific sub population needs defined? It's easy to see that a Spaniard is a different sub-species than a South African, but what basis do you use to compare two individuals in South Africa to determine whether they are a distinct sub-species?

My point is from a purely pragmatic perspective. I don't see the point in getting fussy about sub-species among modern humans because the lines are far too blurry between populations. It's interesting that we have good record of the origins of specific alleles in the years leading up the modern age, but such things will only ever have utility for looking at one's origins. I just don't think there's much use in the distinction after the invention of the Airplane is all. That's mostly because it becomes extremely difficult to track.

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[–] ditch-digger 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago 

That's something I'm pondering myself, the question of where do you stop breaking down the subcategories is outside of my knowledge. My assumption is that inside this portion of the definition

Species are groups of actually or potentially interbreeding populations that are reproductively isolated from other such groups

Which means that you would have to track history of clans and see which other clans they would breed with. Anthropologists would be best at answering this question.

I don't see the point in getting fussy about sub-species among modern humans

To an extent I agree, but the problem is that there is a pragmatic use to understanding which species you belong to. If the genetic makeup is too far separated the hybrid children can have a harder time reproducing, have genetic diseases, issues with racism in their daily life, are far more prone to depression, etc. Both I and my wife are hybrids, mainly on the Caucasian side, but we both have mental issues, and my wife has a couple of genetic issues (I may develop them later in life).

but such things will only ever have utility for looking at one's origins

Watch GATTACA, we're heading that way.

That's mostly because it becomes extremely difficult to track

Yes it does, and that's the game that humans are playing (for the most part) right now. I think we're already seeing the early consequences, but who knows. In a couple generations American may be it's own species if the concept of a boarder-less world is squashed.