The term species was coined and de- fined by

Options

A. Darwin
B. John Ray
C. Huxley
D. Linnaeus

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks who coined and defined the term "species."

2. **Identifying the Options**: The options provided are:
- Darwin
- John Ray
- Huxley
- Linnaeus

3. **Defining 'Species'**: Before identifying the correct answer, it is important to understand what a species is. A species is generally defined as a group of identical interbreeding organisms that live together in the same geographical area.

4. **Evaluating Each Option**:
- **Darwin**: Known for the theory of evolution, but he did not coin the term "species."
- **John Ray**: An English naturalist who first defined the term "species" in his work "Historia Plantarum." This makes him the correct answer.
- **Huxley**: Advocated Darwin's theories but did not coin the term "species."
- **Linnaeus**: Known for developing the system of binomial nomenclature for naming species, but he did not coin the term "species."

5. **Conclusion**: The correct answer is **John Ray**, as he was the scientist who coined and defined the term "species."

### Final Answer:
The term species was coined and defined by **John Ray**.

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