A "subclass" is a category within a broader classification known as a "class." In programming, particularly in object-oriented languages like Java or Python, a subclass inherits properties and behaviors from its parent class, allowing for code reuse and organization. This relationship helps in creating more specific types of objects while maintaining a connection to the general characteristics of the parent class. In biology, a subclass is a rank in the taxonomic hierarchy that falls under a class. For example, in the classification of animals, the class Mammalia includes several subclasses, such as Eutheria (placental mammals) and Metatheria (marsupials). This system helps scientists categorize and study the diversity of life on Earth.