Subfamily: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฑ
subfamily
[ sสbหfรฆmili ]
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:
๐ต๐น subfamรญlia
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคชเคชเคฐเคฟเคตเคพเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช Unterfamilie
๐ฎ๐ฉ subfamili
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะดััะผ'ั
๐ต๐ฑ podrodzina
๐ฏ๐ต ไบ็ง
๐ซ๐ท sous-famille
๐ช๐ธ subfamilia
๐น๐ท alt aile
๐ฐ๐ท ์๊ณผ
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุตููุฉ ูุฑุนูุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ podrodina
๐ธ๐ฐ podrodina
๐จ๐ณ ไบ็ง
๐ธ๐ฎ poddruลพina
๐ฎ๐ธ undanfjรถlskylda
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบััั ะพัะฑะฐัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแชแแ แ แแฏแแฎแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ alt ailษ
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.
- ...
- 20910 scavenging
- 20911 aeronautics
- 20912 resold
- 20913 subfamily
- 20914 profligate
- 20915 reread
- 20916 peaking
- ...