holotype Definition
- 1a single physical example (or illustration) of an organism, known to have been used when the species (or lower-ranked taxon) was formally described
- 2the specimen or illustration designated as the type specimen when the original type series consists of more than one specimen or illustration
Using holotype: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "holotype" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The holotype is the primary specimen used to describe a new species.
Example
The holotype of this species is housed in the Natural History Museum in London.
Example
The holotype is the standard by which all other specimens of the same species are compared.
holotype Synonyms and Antonyms
Origins of holotype
from Greek 'holos', meaning 'whole' and 'typos', meaning 'type'
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Summary: holotype in Brief
A 'holotype' [ˈhɒlətaɪp] is a single physical example or illustration of an organism used to describe a new species. It is the standard by which all other specimens of the same species are compared. The term is derived from the Greek words 'holos' meaning 'whole' and 'typos' meaning 'type.'
