subspecies
Species subset classification
A subspecies is a taxonomic category ranking below species, designating a population that differs from other members of its species in certain characteristics—often geographic distribution, appearance, or genetic markers—but can still interbreed with them.
Scientists use subspecies to classify variations within a species that aren't distinct enough to warrant separate species status.
The Bengal tiger is a subspecies of tiger found in South Asia.
Evolutionary relationships among organisms
- cladeMonophyletic taxonomic group
- divergenceSeparation from common origin
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- natural selectionDifferential reproductive success
genetic drift · gene flow · isolation · ancestor · descendant · lineage · common ancestor · split
Many forms, one interface
- diversityState of varied elements
- mutationPermanent DNA alteration
- variabilityTendency to change
- phenotypeObservable characteristics of organism
genotype · allele · heritability · morphology · coloration · geographic variation · population · isolate
Taxonomic rank above species
- varietyState of being diverse
- classificationSystematic grouping by traits
- binomialExpression with two terms
- nomenclatureSystem of specialized terms
kingdom · phylum · order · family · systematics · morphology · anatomy · zoology
Extent of variation
- distributionAllocation across recipients
- populationAll inhabitants combined
- endemicNative to one area
- nativeOriginating from a place
territory · region · geographic · isolated · island · mainland · montane · coastal
At risk of extinction
- threatenedExpressed intent to harm
- protectedKept from harm
- extinctNo longer existing
- vulnerableOpen to attack
captive breeding · reintroduction · genetic diversity · population decline · habitat loss · hybridization · recovery · monitoring
phylogeny
Evolutionary relationships among organisms
- cladeMonophyletic taxonomic group
- divergenceSeparation from common origin
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
natural selection · genetic drift · gene flow · isolation · ancestor · descendant · lineage · common ancestor · split · radiation
polymorphism
Many forms, one interface
- diversityState of varied elements
- mutationPermanent DNA alteration
- variabilityTendency to change
phenotype · genotype · allele · heritability · morphology · coloration · geographic variation · population · isolate · form
genus
Taxonomic rank above species
- varietyState of being diverse
- classificationSystematic grouping by traits
- binomialExpression with two terms
nomenclature · kingdom · phylum · order · family · systematics · morphology · anatomy · zoology · botany
range
Extent of variation
- distributionAllocation across recipients
- populationAll inhabitants combined
- endemicNative to one area
native · territory · region · geographic · isolated · island · mainland · montane · coastal · desert
endangered
At risk of extinction
- threatenedExpressed intent to harm
- protectedKept from harm
- extinctNo longer existing
vulnerable · captive breeding · reintroduction · genetic diversity · population decline · habitat loss · hybridization · recovery · monitoring