infraspecífico

Infraspecífico refers to a taxonomic rank below species. While species are generally considered the fundamental units of classification for living organisms, infraspecific ranks are used to distinguish populations within a species that exhibit consistent differences. The most common infraspecific rank is the subspecies, which denotes geographically distinct populations that are reproductively isolated to some degree but can still interbreed if brought together. Another infraspecific rank is the variety, often used for plants, which signifies a distinct form within a species that may arise naturally or through cultivation. Sometimes, the term "form" is also used to denote minor variations that do not warrant the status of variety or subspecies. The recognition and application of infraspecific categories can be subjective and depend on the specific organism being studied and the criteria used by taxonomists. These classifications help in understanding the evolutionary relationships and biodiversity within a species.