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The article presents a paper about the concept of subspecies which is considered a useful tool of convenience. It is noted that the debate over the meaning and utility of the concept has produced superficial consensus. It is suggested that genuine consensus about subspecies treatments is an impossible goal and that there are no special reasons to expect or demand standardization in the application of trinomial names. The author also believes that subspecies should not be called on to establish or resolve crucial policy issues like endangered-species listing.