Subgenus

Subgenus is a rank in the taxonomic hierarchy, below the rank of genus and above the rank of species. It is used in the classification of organisms to further divide them into more specific groups. The name of a subgenus is always written in italics and is capitalized.

Definition

A subgenus is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms. It is ranked below the genus level and is used to further divide species into more specific groups. The name of a subgenus is always written in italics and is capitalized.

Usage

The use of subgenera in taxonomy is not always consistent. Some taxonomists use the subgenus rank, while others prefer to classify organisms directly at the species level. The decision to use subgenera often depends on the complexity and diversity of the genus in question.

Examples

An example of a subgenus is Pan (subgenus of Homo), which includes the species H. sapiens (humans) and H. neanderthalensis (Neanderthals). Another example is Canis (subgenus of Lupus), which includes the species C. lupus (gray wolf) and C. lupus familiaris (domestic dog).

See also

• Genus
• Species
• Taxonomy

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