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hoofdsoorten

Hoofdsoorten is a term used in biology to refer to the main or most representative species within a taxonomic group, such as a genus or family. A hoofdsoort is typically chosen because it best illustrates the defining traits of the group or because it serves as the reference species for identification and comparison in teaching and field guides.

In contrast to formal nomenclature, hovedsoorten is not a formal rank or requirement of the International Code

In practical use, hoofdsoorten help biologists organize information, build identification keys, and communicate about groups. They

See also: Type species; Holotype; Nomenclature; Taxonomic concepts.

of
Nomenclature.
The
closest
formal
concept
is
the
type
species,
which
is
the
name-bearing
species
that
defines
the
genus.
A
hoofdsoort
may
coincide
with,
or
differ
from,
the
designated
type
species,
depending
on
historical
and
taxonomic
decisions.
In
revisions,
researchers
may
reaffirm
or
change
the
hoofdsoort
for
practical
clarity,
but
this
does
not
change
the
scientific
name
of
the
group.
are
especially
common
in
field
guides,
textbooks,
and
revisions
where
a
generation
of
users
benefits
from
a
single,
well-understood
exemplar.
The
choice
can
be
subjective
and
may
reflect
historical
tradition,
regional
focus,
or
the
availability
of
descriptive
data.