We have seen that significant problems exist regarding the conventional conceptualization of one of the main levels treated in conservation biology, the population. It must be concluded, then, that the ontological status of the population as a thing, although not definitively invalidated, is presently in question. This may be construed as a theoretical point of little practical importance, such that, despite apparent problems, conservation biologists will go about business as usual. However, the question of what differences in conservation practice are likely to result from skepticism about populations, should this increase, bears asking.