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subspecies definition

sub·spe·cies (sub′spē′s̸hēz)

noun

any natural subdivision of a species that exhibits small, but persistent, morphological variations from other subdivisions of the same species living in different geographical regions or times: the subspecies name is usually the third term (not capitalized) in a trinomial (Ex.: the scientific name for Neanderthal man is Homo sapiens neanderthalensis)

Etymology: ModL: see sub- + species

Related Forms:

  • subspecific sub′·spe·cif′ic (-spə sif′ik) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

subspecies Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • tiger: The future survival of this subspecies of tiger looks very bleak, indeed many conservationists believe it's fate is already sealed.

Converse of object

  • consider: The nightjar, now considered a subspecies of Rufous Nightjar, is rarely seen outside of the breeding season.

Adjective modifier

  • endemic: Further down we looked for the endemic subspecies of Yellow Warbler.

Modifies a noun

  • paratuberculosis: Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis ( MAP ) is a bug which is a specific cause of chronic inflammation of the intestine in many animals.

Noun used with modifier

  • avium: Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis ( MAP ) is a bug which is a specific cause of chronic inflammation of the intestine in many animals.
subspecies usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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MLA Style

"subspecies." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/subspecies>

APA Style

subspecies. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/subspecies

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