Monotypie

Monotypie is a term used in diverse disciplines to denote two distinct concepts. In the arts, it is sometimes used in German and other languages for the technique commonly called monotype in English, which yields a unique print. In biology, monotypie (or monotypy) describes a taxonomic condition in which a genus or other higher taxon contains only one subordinate taxon, typically a single species.

In printmaking, a monotype is produced by applying ink or paint to a smooth plate, then pressing paper onto the surface and running it through a printing press. The transfer creates a single impression, because the image is generally not reproducible by reworking the matrix. Some variations yield ghost or second prints, which are lighter and differ from the first. Monotypes are valued for their painterly quality and unpredictable textures.

In biology, monotypie or monotypy refers to groups that contain only one taxon at a given rank. A monotypic genus, for example, has only one species, such as Ginkgo in modern taxonomy. The term contrasts with polytypic genera, which include multiple species. The usage of the term varies by language; in English, “monotypic” is more common, while “monotypie” or “monotypie” may appear in German or French texts.