subspecies
n. C1 Advanced UK //sˈʌbspiːsˌiːz// sub·species
n. a group of animals or plants that are similar to their main species but have some small physical or behavioral differences. They usually live in a specific area.
n. a taxonomic rank below species, consisting of organisms that are closely related and share common characteristics but are distinct from other groups within the same species.
The polar bear is a subspecies of the brown bear.
Scientists identified a new subspecies of the local bird after observing its unique nesting habits in the high mountains.
While the two populations appear identical to the naked eye, genetic testing revealed that they are actually two distinct subspecies that diverged thousands of years ago due to geographic isolation.
From sub- + species.