Superfamilieniveau

Superfamilieniveau refers to a taxonomic rank used in biological classification. It sits above the rank of family and below the rank of order. In the Linnaean system of taxonomy, superfamilies are part of the hierarchical structure used to organize and classify living organisms. The establishment of superfamilies became more common as scientists recognized the need for intermediate groupings between families and orders, especially when dealing with large and diverse groups of organisms.

The concept of a superfamily is particularly prevalent in certain fields of zoology, such as entomology and mammalogy, where evolutionary relationships and distinct groupings within larger orders are frequently observed. For example, in the order Primates, superfamilies like Hominoidea (apes and humans) and Cercopithecoidea (Old World monkeys) are recognized. Each superfamily typically encompasses one or more families that share a common ancestor and exhibit significant shared characteristics, differentiating them from other families within the same order.

While superfamilies are a widely accepted taxonomic level, their use and definition can sometimes be subject to debate among scientists. The precise boundaries and relationships between superfamilies are often refined as new genetic and morphological data become available, leading to revisions in classification. The addition of superfamilies provides a more granular level of detail for understanding the evolutionary history and diversity of life on Earth.