Definition

A group of related living things that is smaller than a phylum and larger than a class in the biological classification system.

Example

The subphylum Vertebrata includes animals with backbones, such as mammals and birds.

Conversation

Did you know that jellyfish belong to a specific subphylum?

Really? I had no idea they were categorized that way.

Yeah, it's interesting how many creatures fit into different subphylum classifications.

Totally! Nature has so many layers to explore.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Subphylum → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under or below) and "phylum" (from Greek "phylon", meaning tribe or race). The term "subphylum" refers to a taxonomic category that is below the level of phylum, indicating a classification that is under a broader category.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'phylum' meaning 'tribe' or 'race' — so a subphylum is a classification that is under a larger group.

Visually Confused Words