Inbiological classification,[1] asubfamily (Latin:subfamilia, pluralsubfamiliae) is an auxiliary (intermediate)taxonomic rank, positioned belowfamily and abovegenera. It is used to classify groups of related genera within a family, helping organize the diversity of life more precisely.[2]
Standardnomenclature rules end botanical subfamily names with the suffix "-oideae",[3] whereas zoological subfamily names end with "-inae".[1] These suffixes help clearly identify the taxonomic rank in scientific literature and classification systems.
An example of a botanical subfamily isDetarioideae, which is a subdivision of theFabaceae (legumes) family. It contains 84genera and is characterized by specific floral and fruit traits.[4]
In zoology,Stevardiinae is an example of a subfamily within theCharacidae family, a large and diverse group offreshwater fish. This subfamily includes many genera of fishes with complex reproductive behaviors. Molecular studies have helped clarify its classification.[5]
^abInternational Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (1999). "Article 29.2. Suffixes for family-group names".International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (Fourth ed.). International Trust for Zoological Nomenclature, XXIX. p. 306.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
^Thorne, Robert F. (1988). "Taxonomically useful subfamily and tribe designations in the Leguminosae".Systematic Botany.13 (4):377–382.doi:10.2307/2419248.JSTOR2419248.
