subspecies

[ suhb-spee-sheez, suhb-spee- ]

noun

, plural sub·spe·cies.

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

subspecies

/ ˈsʌbˌspiːʃiːz; ˌsʌbspɪˈsɪfɪk /

noun

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

subspecies

/ 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.

Derived Forms

• ˌsubspeˈcifically, adverb
• subspecific, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subspecies¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; sub- + species

Example Sentences

High office for a Hollywood (or some subspecies of) celebrity is not as outlandish as it once was—say, five or 10 minutes ago.

From The Daily Beast

This is inconsistent with the ordinarily accepted concept of subspecies.

From Project Gutenberg

Also, on the basis of this same index, some subspecies of D. ordii are more generalized than is any other species in the genus.

From Project Gutenberg

Intergradation occurs with the latter subspecies at Vernal, Uintah County, in cranial measurements and in color.

From Project Gutenberg

Six different complexes (groups) of subspecies of D. ordii have probably arisen as a result of geographical separation.

From Project Gutenberg

Intergrades with Dipodomys ordii utahensis are discussed under the account of that subspecies.

From Project Gutenberg