subspecies

American  

[suhb-spee-sheez, suhb-spee-] / ˈsʌbˌspi ʃiz, sʌbˈspi- /

noun

plural

subspecies

1. a subdivision of a species, specie, species, especially a geographical or ecological subdivision.

---

subspecies British  

/ ˈsʌbˌspiːʃiːz, ˌsʌbspɪˈsɪfɪk /

noun

1.  ssp.  biology a taxonomic group that is a subdivision of a species: usually occurs because of isolation within a species

---

subspecies Scientific  

/ sŭb′spē′shēz,-sēz /

1. A subdivision of a species of organisms, usually based on geographic distribution. The subspecies name is written in lowercase italics following the species name. For example, Gorilla gorilla gorilla is the western lowland gorilla, and Gorilla gorilla graueri is the eastern lowland gorilla.

---

Other Word Forms

• subspecific adjective
• subspecifically adverb

Etymology

Origin of subspecies

First recorded in 1690–1700; sub- + species

Example Sentences

The Fongoli apes are members of the critically endangered subspecies of West African chimpanzees.

From Barron's

One is when the hefty cats are threatening Sierra Nevada bighorn, one of two subspecies of the sheep that live in the Golden State.

From Los Angeles Times

The Angel Island mole, a unique subspecies endemic to the island, seems to be just a small part of their diet, which came as a relief.

From Los Angeles Times

In one study released last month, eastern and western chimpanzees — which are two different subspecies — were observed in the wild to have distinct drumming patterns.

From Salon

A subspecies of northern giraffe, they’re known for a coat pattern that disappears down their legs so that it looks like they’re wearing white socks.

From Salon