Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

subspecies

Noun

/ˈsʌbˌspiːs/

Definition

A taxonomic category that ranks below species and is used to categorize populations of a species that differ in some characteristics but can interbreed.

Examples

The eastern gray squirrel and the western gray squirrel are considered different subspecies.
Some plants have multiple subspecies that thrive in different climates.
Scientists study the various subspecies of a species to understand their evolution.

Meaning

Subspecies are often identified based on geographic, morphological, or behavioral differences that are significant enough to distinguish them from other populations of the same species.