subfaimily

Subfamily is a taxonomic rank used in biological classification. It is a rank below family and above genus. The plural of subfamily is subfamilies. Subfamilies are used to group together genera that are more closely related to each other than to other genera within the same family. For example, within the family Felidae (cats), there are subfamilies like Felinae (small cats) and Pantherinae (big cats). This hierarchical system helps scientists organize and understand the evolutionary relationships between different organisms. The use of subfamilies is not mandatory in all classifications, and their definition can sometimes be debated among taxonomists. The establishment and naming of subfamilies follow the rules set by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature and the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. The ending for zoological subfamily names is typically "-inae," while for botanical subfamily names, it is typically "-oideae."