Subspecies

In zoology, as in other branches of biology, subspecies is the rank immediately subordinate to a species. As an aside, do note that in botany a subspecies is only one of the ranks that will get a ternary name (see there), while in bacteriology, the terms subspecies and variety are usually interchangeable, see ICNB. The following applies to zoology only.

Important difference between species and subspecies

Subspecies: a taxonomic subdivision of a species; a group of the organisms, which differ from other members of their species by genetically-encoded morphological and physiological characteristics, and by behavior. Members of different subspecies of the same species are potentially capable of breeding with each other, and production of fertile offspring. However, animals of the different subspecies of the same species might not interbreed even if geographical factor is removed. Differences in appearance and behavior rather often prevent the potential sex partners from recognizing each other as the sex partners. This is especially true for animals with complicated sexual rituals.

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Members of different species are incapable of reproduction, or produce an infertile offspring.

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