Subfamily

For the protein classification, see Protein subfamily.

The hierarchy of biological classification's eight major taxonomic ranks. Intermediate minor rankings are not shown.

In biological classification,^[1] a subfamily (Latin: subfamilia, plural subfamiliae) is an auxiliary (intermediate) taxonomic rank, positioned below family and above genera. It is used to classify groups of related genera within a family, helping organize the diversity of life more precisely.^[2]

Standard nomenclature 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.

Botanical subfamilies

An example of a botanical subfamily is Detarioideae, which is a subdivision of the Fabaceae (legumes) family. It contains 84 genera and is characterized by specific floral and fruit traits.^[4]

Zoological subfamilies

In zoology, Stevardiinae is an example of a subfamily within the Characidae family, a large and diverse group of freshwater fish. This subfamily includes many genera of fishes with complex reproductive behaviors. Molecular studies have helped clarify its classification.^[5]

Nomenclature and classification rules

The International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN) provides the rules for botanical names, including those of subfamilies.^[6] The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) governs the naming of zoological taxa, including subfamilies, with specific rules about suffixes and hierarchical placement.^[7]

Summary of nomenclature suffixes

• Botanical subfamilies: **-oideae** (e.g., Detarioideae)
• Zoological subfamilies: **-inae** (e.g., Stevardiinae)

See also

• Rank (botany)
• Rank (zoology)

References

1. International 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.
2. Thorne, Robert F. (1988). "Taxonomically useful subfamily and tribe designations in the Leguminosae". Systematic Botany. 13 (4): 377–382. doi:10.2307/2419248. JSTOR 2419248.
3. McNeill, J.; Barrie, F.R.; Buck, W.R.; Demoulin, V.; Greuter, W.; Hawksworth, D.L.; Herendeen, P.S.; Knapp, S.; Marhold, K.; Prado, J.; Prud'homme Van Reine, W.F.; Smith, G.F.; Wiersema, J.H.; Turland, N.J. (2012). International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Melbourne Code) adopted by the Eighteenth International Botanical Congress Melbourne, Australia, July 2011. Vol. Regnum Vegetabile 154. A.R.G. Gantner Verlag KG. ISBN 978-3-87429-425-6. Article 19.
4. de la Estrella, M.; Forest, F.; Klitgard, B.; Lewis, G. P.; Mackinder, B. A.; de Queiroz, L. P.; Wieringa, J. J.; Bruneau, A. (2018-05-02). "A new phylogeny-based tribal classification of subfamily Detarioideae, an early branching clade of florally diverse tropical arborescent legumes". Scientific Reports. 8 (6884) 6884: 1–14. Bibcode:2018NatSR...8.6884D. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-24687-3. PMC 5932001. PMID 29720687.
5. Thomaz, Andréa T.; Arcila, Dahiana; Ortí, Guillermo; Malabarba, Luiz R. (2015-07-21). "Molecular phylogeny of the subfamily Stevardiinae Gill, 1858 (Characiformes: Characidae): classification and the evolution of reproductive traits". BMC Evolutionary Biology. 15 (1) 146. Bibcode:2015BMCEE..15..146T. doi:10.1186/s12862-015-0403-4. PMC 4509481. PMID 26195030.
6. McNeill, J.; et al. (2012). International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Melbourne Code). International Association for Plant Taxonomy. ISBN 978-3-87429-425-6.
7. International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (1999). International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (Fourth ed.). p. 306.