What guides the scientific classification of ferrets over superficial coat color variations?
Answer
Evolutionary relatedness and shared genetic heritage
The Linnaean classification system, which places the ferret within its specific genus, order, and family, relies fundamentally on deep evolutionary relatedness and shared genetic heritage, rather than transient, superficial physical markers like coat color or eye shade. Even significant superficial changes, such as those caused by the albino or leucistic mutations, do not warrant a change in the species name because the underpinning genetic structure and fundamental taxonomic placement remain fixed relative to the European polecat lineage.
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