Podrodzaj

Podrodzaj is a taxonomic rank used in biological classification. It is a subdivision of a genus and ranks below genus and above species. A podrodzaj is used when a genus is found to be too large or diverse to be treated as a single unit, but the differences between its subgroups are not sufficient to warrant classifying them as separate genera. The term is often translated from Slavic languages as "subgenus".

The concept of a podrodzaj allows for a more nuanced organization of biological diversity. When a genus is split into podrodzaje, each podrodzaj typically contains a group of closely related species. This helps in understanding the evolutionary relationships within a genus and can also be useful for practical purposes such as identification or conservation efforts.

The use of podrodzaj is not as universally standardized as other taxonomic ranks like genus or species. Different taxonomic authorities or researchers may use it more or less frequently depending on their specific field of study and the groups of organisms they are working with. While not a formal rank in the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature or the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, it is widely recognized and used in practice, particularly in certain groups of insects and plants. The abbreviation "subg." is often used to denote a podrodzaj.