File:Biological_classification_L_Pengo_vflip.svg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons

EntityQ68947· pop 75· linked from 9,588 articles

subspecies

Also known as subsp., ssp.

In biological classification, subspecies (: subspecies) is a rank below species, used for populations that live in different areas and vary in size, shape, or other physical characteristics (morphology), but that can successfully interbreed. Not all species have subspecies, but for those that do there must be at least two. Subspecies is abbreviated as subsp. or ssp. and the singular and plural forms are the same ("the subspecies is" or "the subspecies are").

AI overview

A subspecies is a group of animals within a single species that live in different areas and look somewhat different from each other, but can still breed together successfully. Scientists use this classification to recognize and study populations that share some distinct features while remaining biologically compatible.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

~7 min read

Article

10 sections

Contents

Nomenclature
Nominotypical subspecies and subspecies autonyms
Doubtful cases
Criteria
Monotypic and polytypic species
See also
References
Citations
General and cited sources
External links

In zoology, under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, the subspecies is the only taxonomic rank below that of species that can receive a name. In botany and mycology, under the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants, other infraspecific ranks, such as variety, may be named. In bacteriology and virology, under standard bacterial nomenclature and virus nomenclature, there are recommendations but not strict requirements for recognizing other important infraspecific ranks.