Here's why:
* Interbreeding: A species is defined by its members being able to reproduce with each other and produce fertile offspring.
* Successful: This means the offspring are viable and capable of further reproduction, ensuring the continuation of the species.
For example, all dogs belong to the same species, *Canis familiaris*, because they can breed with each other and produce fertile puppies. However, dogs cannot interbreed successfully with wolves, which are a different species (*Canis lupus*).