# subspecies

/sˈʌbspiːsˌiːz/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/subspecies
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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.

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