A fiber optic ribbon having a predetermined separation sequence including a first subunit having a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a generally planar configuration being connected by a first primary matrix. The first subunit being a portion of a first ribbon-unit. A second subunit having a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a generally planar configuration being connected by a second primary matrix. The second subunit being a portion of a second ribbon-unit that includes a plurality of subunits. A secondary matrix connects the first ribbon-unit and the second ribbon-unit. The secondary matrix has a preferential tear portion disposed adjacent to a ribbon-unit interface defined between the first ribbon-unit and the second ribbon-unit.