subspecific

American  

[suhb-spuh-sif-ik] / ˌsʌb spəˈsɪf ɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of a subspecies.

2. less than specific.

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Other Word Forms

• subspecifically
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of subspecific

First recorded in 1865–70; sub- + specific

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

subspecific

In this area of rapid change in size it is difficult to draw subspecific boundaries between pacificus, yaquinae, and bairdi, and this must be done somewhat arbitrarily.

From Speciation of the Wandering Shrew by James S. Findley

In Microtus montanus in the eastern Rocky Mountains the degree of subspecific distinction is not great.

From Subspeciation in the Meadow Mouse, Microtus montanus, in Wyoming and Colorado by Sydney Anderson

Unfortunately, I lack enough specimens to make a subspecific identification.

From Birds from North Borneo University of Kansas Publications, Museum of Natural History, Volume 17, No. 8, pp. 377-433, October 27, 1966 by Max C. Thompson

All show in apparently equal degree the long tail and cinnamon tinge of sides and back, these features together constituting the grounds for separate subspecific recognition of a Rocky Mountain form.

From The Subspecies of the Mountain Chickadee by Joseph Grinnell

Variations of this kind are spoken of as geographic, racial, or subspecific and the birds exhibiting them are termed subspecies.

From Color Key to North American Birds with bibiographical appendix by Frank M. Chapman

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