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Subfamily: meaning, definitions and examples

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subfamily

 

[ sสŒbหˆfรฆmili ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biological classification

A subfamily is a taxonomic rank situated below a family and above a genus in the hierarchical classification of living organisms. It is used in biological taxonomy to group together related organisms that share certain characteristics. Subfamilies are often denoted by a suffix, such as '-inae' in zoology. The classification helps scientists and researchers communicate more effectively about biodiversity and the relationships between different species.

Synonyms

classification, division, subcategory

Examples of usage

  • The Felinae subfamily includes all modern cats.
  • In the Papilionidae family, the subfamily Parnassiinae is notable for its beautiful butterflies.
  • Researchers study the subfamily of plants to understand evolutionary patterns.

Translations

Translations of the word "subfamily" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น subfamรญlia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคชเคชเคฐเคฟเคตเคพเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Unterfamilie

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ subfamili

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั–ะดัั–ะผ'ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ podrodzina

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไบœ็ง‘

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sous-famille

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ subfamilia

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท alt aile

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•„๊ณผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูุตูŠู„ุฉ ูุฑุนูŠุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ podrodina

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ podrodina

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไบš็ง‘

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ poddruลพina

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ undanfjรถlskylda

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบั–ัˆั– ะพั‚ะฑะฐัั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒชแƒ˜แƒ แƒ” แƒแƒฏแƒแƒฎแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ alt ailษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ subfamilia

Etymology

The term 'subfamily' originated in the early 19th century as biologists began formally classifying living organisms based on shared characteristics. The prefix 'sub-' derives from Latin, meaning 'under' or 'below,' which is used in various scientific terms to indicate a lower or subordinate rank. The concept of the family in biological classification was developed during the time of Carl Linnaeus, whose systematic approach laid the groundwork for modern taxonomy. As scientists expanded their understanding of the relationships between different species, the need for additional ranks like subfamily became apparent to accurately denote smaller groups within larger families. This hierarchical system continues to be refined with advances in genetics and evolutionary biology.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,913, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.