Definition of «subspecie»

The term "subspecies" refers to a small group within a species that has distinct physical or behavioral characteristics, which sets them apart from other members of their species. These differences can be due to geographical isolation, adaptation to specific environments, or genetic mutations. Subspecies are often considered separate populations and may have different conservation statuses.

Usage examples

  1. The study of evolutionary biology often involves categorizing organisms at the subspecie level. For example, in the field of ornithology, different populations of the American robin across North America are classified as distinct subspecies based on variations in plumage and behavior.
  2. Wildlife conservation efforts focus on protecting endangered subspecies. For instance, the Sumatran tiger is recognized as a subspecie of tiger native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra, and targeted conservation measures are undertaken to preserve its population and habitat.
  3. Plant breeders utilize subspecies distinctions to develop new varieties with specific traits. In agriculture, for instance, different subspecies of wheat are crossed to create cultivars that are resistant to diseases or adapted to certain climates.
  4. Medical research often investigates differences between subspecies of pathogens. For instance, scientists studying the influenza virus analyze various subspecies to understand their unique characteristics and develop effective vaccines.
  5. The classification of fossils also involves identifying subspecies. Paleontologists distinguish different subspecies of extinct animals based on fossil evidence to better understand the evolutionary history and divergences within a species.
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