Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

spp

Abbreviation
/ˈɛs.pɪˌpiː/
Definition
Spp. is an abbreviation commonly used in scientific literature to refer to multiple species within a genus.
Examples
  • Taxonomists identified several spp. of birds in that region.
  • This study includes data on both Panthera leo and Panthera tigris spp.
  • Researchers studied various spp. of plants in the ecosystem.
Meaning
The term ‘spp.’ is used by biologists and ecologists when discussing a group of species related by taxonomy, helping to denote that the information applies to all species in the specified genus rather than a single species.
Synonyms
  • Species plural
  • Species group
  • Multiple species