holotypeis

Holotypeis is a term used in biological classification and scientific nomenclature. It refers to the single, specific specimen that has been designated as the type specimen for a particular species. This designated specimen serves as the definitive reference point for the name and description of that species. When a new species is described, the author must select a holotype and clearly indicate it in the original publication. This specimen is crucial for ensuring taxonomic stability and for future researchers to compare and identify the species accurately. The holotype is not necessarily the most representative or typical individual of the species, but rather the one chosen by the original describer. If the holotype is lost or destroyed, a neotype may be designated to fulfill the same role. In some cases, particularly with older species descriptions, multiple specimens might have been considered, leading to the designation of syntypes, but a holotype is the preferred and standardized approach in modern taxonomy. The location where the holotype is permanently preserved, often in a museum or research institution, is also typically recorded in the original description.