What is the scientifically accepted definition of a "subspecies"
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What is the scientifically accepted definition of a "subspecies"

[From: ] [author: ] [Date: 11-05-10] [Hit: ]
however, because of prolonged isolation for breeding, they have become separate sub-species. The term subspecies is used because prolonged isolation can result in distinctive morphological changes between the two. However, because they can successful breed with each-other (if they were able to come together geographically) they are still the same species.......
Does that mean they can interbreed? The usage of the term seems inconsistant.

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A subspecies is a taxonomic division of a species in which shares similar physiological and genetic characteristics as the species as a whole. However, generally due to geographical isolation, an animal becomes a sub-species when there is no longer genetic material being passed from one population to the another population. For example, the Mexican Grey Wolf and Timberland Grey Wolf are subspecies of the animal species Grey Wolf. The two can interbreed, however, because of prolonged isolation for breeding, they have become separate sub-species. The term subspecies is used because prolonged isolation can result in distinctive morphological changes between the two. However, because they can successful breed with each-other (if they were able to come together geographically) they are still the same species. Over time, as the genetic material variates within a sub-species, it is possible that they can no longer breed (this takes thousands of years/generations).

To summarize... Sub-species are populations of a species of animal that are geographically isolated (over time) from breeding with the "parent species", but are still able to breed under conditions of being together (eg. captive breeding).

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A subspecies is a taxonomic classification below species that groups organisms that live in different geographical areas, differ morphologically from other populations of the species, but can interbreed with other populations of the species.
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