Subfamily

Subfamily is a rank in the biological classification system, or taxonomy, that falls between family and genus. It is used in the naming of organisms and is denoted by the suffix "-inae" in animal taxonomy and "-oideae" in plant taxonomy.

Overview

A subfamily is a secondary taxonomic rank below the rank of family. It is used when a family is large and diverse enough to be subdivided into multiple genera that share common characteristics. The naming of a subfamily follows specific rules set out by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants and the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.

Usage in Zoology

In zoology, the suffix "-inae" is added to the stem of the family name to form the subfamily name. For example, the subfamily Pantherinae is a part of the family Felidae.

Usage in Botany

In botany, the suffix "-oideae" is added to the stem of the family name to form the subfamily name. For example, the subfamily Rosoideae is a part of the family Rosaceae.

See also

• Taxonomy (biology)
• Binomial nomenclature
• Species
• Genus
• Family (biology)
• Order (biology)
• Class (biology)
• Phylum
• Kingdom (biology)
• Domain (biology)

Subfamily Resources
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