Subfamily
Subfamily
Subfamily (pronunciation: suhb-fam-uh-lee) is a term used in the biological classification system, specifically in taxonomy. It is a rank in the hierarchical classification of organisms, below the rank of family and above the rank of genus.
Etymology
The term "subfamily" is derived from the prefix "sub-" meaning "under" or "below", and "family". In the context of biological taxonomy, it refers to a rank that is one level below the family rank.
Definition
A subfamily is an intermediate category in the classification of living organisms, especially plants and animals. It is used when a family is large and diverse enough to be subdivided into several genera that share common characteristics. The name of a subfamily always ends in "-inae" in zoological taxonomy and "-oideae" in botanical taxonomy.
Related Terms
- Taxonomy: The science of classification, in biology the arrangement of organisms into a classification.
- Family: A higher rank in the classification hierarchy, above genus and below order.
- Genus: A rank in the classification hierarchy, below family and above species.
- Species: The lowest and most specific rank in the classification hierarchy.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Subfamily
- Wikipedia's article - Subfamily
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