Glossary

holotype

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The single specimen designated as the name-bearing type of a nominal species or subspecies.

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Related terms

lectotype
In zoological nomenclature, a syntype specimen selected as the name-bearing type of a nominal taxon in the absence of a designated holotype.
name-bearing type
In zoological nomenclature, the biological type (normally either a genus, species, or specimen) that determines how a name is applied.
neotype
A single specimen designated as the name-bearing type of a species subsequent to its description, most often when the holotype, lectotype, and syntype no longer exist.
nominal taxon
A nomenclatural concept denoted by an available name used in an original description, and based, actually or potentially, upon its name-bearing type but having no defined taxonomic boundaries. Often used when the precise definition of a species or genus is unclear, such as when a name may refer to more than one taxon and is therefore in need of clarification.
paratype
In zoological nomenclature, a specimen other than the holotype upon which a description is based, i.e., each specimen of a type series other than the holotype.
subspecies
Taxonomic rank below species, written in the form of a trinomen. Often applied to a geographically-separated population within a species that retains the capability to produce fertile offspring with other populations but may exhibit phenotypic differences.
syntype
Any specimen within a type series if no holotype or lectotype has been designated, the syntypes collectively representing the name-bearing type.
type
Can be used to refer to any taxonomic group, the characteristics of which are used for defining related, higher or lower ranking groups. For example, the type of a nominal species is a specimen (type specimen), the type of a nominal genus is the nominal species (type species), and the type of a nominal family is the nominal genus (type genus).
type locality
The location, place or source where a holotype or type specimen was found.

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