subpopulation

noun

sub·​pop·​u·​la·​tion ˈsəb-ˌpä-pyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce subpopulation (audio)
: an identifiable fraction or subdivision of a population

Examples of subpopulation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Advocates believe having multiple subpopulations will improve genetic diversity and create a backup if one population declines due to disease or environmental stressors. Shaun McKinnon, The Arizona Republic, 12 Aug. 2024 Although Tesla issued a service bulletin in 2017, NHTSA said the subpopulation of vehicles affected by the bulletin, which were built between January and May 2016, only accounted for 25 percent of the failures identified by the probe. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 14 Aug. 2024 Biologists are concerned ocelot subpopulations could become extinct in certain regions, threatening the longevity and durability of the species overall. Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 12 Aug. 2024 Wolves have low genetic diversity, and advocates believe setting up separate subpopulations — like the Grand Canyon ecoregion — will strengthen gene flow and create a backup if disease or wildfire decimates the current population in the experimental area. Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 18 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for subpopulation 

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subpopulation was in 1847

Dictionary Entries Near subpopulation

Cite this Entry

“Subpopulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subpopulation. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

subpopulation

noun
sub·​pop·​u·​la·​tion ˈsəb-ˌpäp-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce subpopulation (audio)
: an identifiable fraction or subdivision of a population
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