In the trinomial nomenclature *Morelia spilota spilota*, what does the third term, *spilota*, denote?
Answer
The specific subspecies
Trinomial nomenclature is the scientific naming system used to designate subspecies within a species. In the full scientific name *Morelia spilota spilota*, *Morelia* represents the genus, and *spilota* (the second term) represents the species name. Consequently, the final, third instance of *spilota* is the specific designation used to identify the Diamond Python as a distinct subspecies that belongs to the broader Carpet Python species complex, signaling unique characteristics separating it from other related populations under *Morelia spilota*.
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