Meaning of holotype | Babel Free

Definitions

The single physical example (or illustration) of an organism used to formally describe the species (or lower-order taxon), subsequently to be kept as a reference.

Equivalents

Examples

“The holotype of this species is subglobular in shape⟳ and ammoniticonic in its mode of growth.”

“The surface of the holotype bears seven rounded annulations which slope very slightly orad from the venter.”

“Primary types include⟳ holotypes, lectotypes, and neotypes, while all other types (e.g., paratypes) are secondary types. A holotype is a unique, name-bearing type⟳ specimen designated by the original author. The holotype is the single individual of a species that serves as a voucher for a given species name⟳. A holotype can be designated only by the original author and in the publication in which that author established its name⟳.”

“The species to which the holotype belongs is then referred to by the name⟳ proposed by the author, at least when the same name⟳ has not previously been applied to another species.[…]If his specimen is not the same species as any of the holotypes preserved in museums, he should prepare⟳ a description of his specimen and have⟳ it published with his proposed name⟳ for the new species or give⟳ it to a specialist who is interested in doing this.”

CEFR level