Definition of subspecies Subspecies

sub•spe•cies

We found 8 definitions of subspecies from 7 different sources.

What does subspecies mean?

Noun Plural: subspecies
subspecies - (biology) a taxonomic group that is a division of a species; usually arises as a consequence of geographical isolation within a species
		race
		taxon, taxonomic category, taxonomic group animal or plant group having natural relations

= synonym
= antonym
= related word

subspecies (n.)
A group somewhat lessdistinct than speciesusually are, but based on characters more important than those which characterize ordinary varieties; often, a geographical variety or race.

subspecies
sub-spē′shēz, n. a division of a species, a geographical variety.—adj. Subspecif′ic.—adv. Subspecif′ically

Subspecies is a classification (taxonomy) in biology. It is directly below species. When looking at the Latin name, subspecies are indicated by the third name. Subspecies can mix with each other; animals or plants from different subspecies can have offspring together (This is not the case with those from different species).

When looking at subspecies, they can also be told apart sufficiently by looking at the appearance or DNA of an animal or a plant.

Very often, there are populations that are between two subspecies; this is because evolution is a continuous process. Subspecies can often be recognised by "subsp" or "ssp" (before the third part of the name) especially in botany.