Holotype

Pronunciation: /ˈhoʊləˌtaɪp/

Definitions of holotype

noun a single type specimen designated as the name-bearing type of a species

Example Sentences

A1 The holotype is the single specimen designated as the standard for a species.

A2 Scientists use the holotype to describe and identify new species.

B1 The holotype serves as the reference point for classifying organisms.

B2 Researchers carefully examine the holotype to determine its unique characteristics.

C1 The holotype is crucial in establishing the identity of a species within the scientific community.

C2 Examining the holotype allows scientists to compare it with other specimens to confirm its classification.

Examples of holotype in a Sentence

formal The holotype of this species is housed in the museum's collection for research purposes.

informal They say the holotype is the most important specimen for scientists to study.

slang That holotype is like the MVP of fossils, man.

figurative In a way, the holotype can be seen as the ambassador of its species in the scientific world.

Grammatical Forms of holotype

• past tense: holotyped
• plural: holotypes
• comparative: more holotypic
• superlative: most holotypic
• present tense: holotypes
• future tense: will holotype
• perfect tense: have holotyped
• continuous tense: is holotyping
• singular: holotype
• positive degree: holotype
• infinitive: to holotype
• gerund: holotyping
• participle: holotyping

Origin and Evolution of holotype

First Known Use: 1899 year

Language of Origin: Greek and Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'holotype' originated in the field of biology, specifically in the context of taxonomy and classification of species.

Evolution of the word: The term 'holotype' was coined by American zoologist Edward Drinker Cope in 1899 to refer to a single specimen designated as the basis for the description of a new species. Over time, the concept of holotype has become a fundamental part of biological classification and is now widely used in various scientific disciplines.