Subspecies

In biological classification, subspecies (abbreviated "subsp." or "ssp."; plural: "subspecies") is either a taxonomic rank subordinate to species, or a taxon in that rank. A subspecies cannot be recognized independently: a species will either be recognized as having no subspecies at all or at least two (including any that are extinct).

When looking at the Latin name, subspecies are indicated by the third name.

Examples of subspecies are:

• The dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and the dingo (Canis lupus dingo) are both subspecies of the wolf (Canis lupus)
• The domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) is a subspecies of the Wild cat (Felis silvestris)

See also

• Arguments regarding the existence of races: Comparisons with recognized subspecies

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