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In contemporary biological classification, the term 'type' exclusively refers to a specific physical specimen or illustration, not the entire taxon.
Answer: False
While older botanical usage sometimes referred to the taxon itself, modern biological nomenclature, governed by codes like the ICZN and ICN, mandates that a type is a specific specimen or illustration that serves as the definitive reference for a taxon's name.
The primary function of a type specimen is to serve as a readily available example for popular science articles.
Answer: False
The primary function of a type specimen is to serve as the objective standard of reference that anchors a scientific name, ensuring stability and universality in nomenclature, not merely as an example for popular articles.
Type specimens are typically stored in private collections accessible only to the original researchers.
Answer: False
Type specimens are typically preserved and made accessible in major museum research collections or similar institutions to ensure their availability for study by the global scientific community.
The primary purpose of type specimens is to ensure consistency and universality in the scientific classification of organisms.
Answer: True
Type specimens are fundamental to biological nomenclature, serving as the definitive reference points that anchor scientific names, thereby ensuring consistency and universality in the classification and identification of organisms.
What is the fundamental role of a type specimen in biological classification?
Answer: To serve as the definitive reference point that anchors a scientific name.
A type specimen serves as the objective standard of reference, anchoring the scientific name of a taxon. It allows other scientists to determine the correct application of the name by examining the specimen that defines it, ensuring stability and universality in nomenclature.
Where are type specimens typically preserved and made accessible for scientific examination?
Answer: Major museum research collections or similar institutions.
Type specimens are usually physical specimens that are housed in major museum research collections or similar institutions, such as herbaria for plants, ensuring they are preserved and accessible for study by the scientific community worldwide.
What is the vernacular term commonly used for any individual or fossil serving as a name-bearing type for a species?
Answer: Type specimen
The vernacular term commonly used for an individual or fossil that is any of the various name-bearing types for a species is 'type specimen'.
What information must typically be included in a formal published species description according to zoological nomenclature rules?
Answer: A diagnosis and an indication of where the type specimen(s) are deposited.
A formal published species description must include a diagnosis, which discusses similarities and differences with closely related species, and an indication of where the type specimen(s) are deposited for examination.
What is a key reason for the necessity of formal type designations (e.g., holotype, lectotype) in biological nomenclature?
Answer: To stabilize scientific names when original descriptions are insufficient or materials are lost.
Formal type designations are necessary because many species were described centuries ago when original type materials have been lost or destroyed. Types help stabilize names when descriptions alone are insufficient or ambiguous.
A holotype is a duplicate of the original type specimen.
Answer: False
A holotype is the single specimen or illustration explicitly designated by the original author as the definitive reference for a taxon's name. An isotype, conversely, is a duplicate of the holotype specimen.
A lectotype is designated when the original holotype is lost or was never specified by the author.
Answer: True
A lectotype is selected from the original material when the holotype was not specified by the author or has been lost or destroyed, serving to stabilize the scientific name.
A neotype is designated only when the original type specimen is confirmed to be incorrectly identified.
Answer: False
A neotype is designated when the original type specimen is lost or was never specified. Incorrect identification of the original type might lead to its rejection, but the primary reason for neotype designation is the unavailability of the original type.
Syntypes are generally preferred over lectotypes by modern zoological taxonomists.
Answer: False
Modern zoological taxonomists generally prefer lectotypes over syntypes, as a lectotype is a single specimen designated from the original syntype series to provide a stable reference point, reducing ambiguity.
Carl Linnaeus was designated as the lectotype for *Homo sapiens* because he was the first person to describe the species.
Answer: False
Carl Linnaeus was designated as the lectotype for *Homo sapiens* in 1959, not because he was the first describer, but because he was the author of the species' first description and was considered the most appropriate reference.
A hypotype is a specimen used as the primary reference for a newly described species.
Answer: False
A hypotype is a specimen that has been previously published and is used in a supplementary figure or description of the species. The primary reference for a newly described species is the holotype.
If an author fails to designate a holotype, or if the holotype is lost or was never specified, what type of specimen is subsequently designated from the original material?
Answer: Lectotype
A lectotype is selected from the original material when the holotype was not specified by the author or has been lost or destroyed, serving to stabilize the scientific name.
What is a 'syntype' in zoology?
Answer: Any of two or more specimens listed in a description where no holotype was designated.
A syntype in zoology refers to any one of two or more specimens listed in a species description where no holotype was designated. They are considered name-bearing types but are often replaced by lectotypes.
In botanical nomenclature, a type can only be a physical specimen, never an illustration.
Answer: False
In botanical nomenclature, a type can be either a physical specimen or a valid illustration, particularly when a physical specimen is unavailable or has been lost.
Illustrations are generally preferred over physical specimens as type specimens in modern botany due to ease of storage.
Answer: False
While illustrations can serve as types, physical specimens are generally preferred in modern botany. Illustrations are typically used only when a physical specimen is unavailable, lost, or destroyed, or if the illustration better represents the taxon's critical features.
Isotypes are specimens cited in the original description that are not the holotype.
Answer: False
Isotypes are duplicates of the holotype specimen. Specimens cited in the original description that are not the holotype or isotype are typically referred to as paratypes.
Paratypes provide the definitive reference point for a species' scientific name.
Answer: False
Paratypes are additional specimens cited in the original description that are not the holotype or isotype. While they provide valuable context, they do not serve as the definitive reference point for a species' scientific name; that role belongs to the holotype or its substitutes.
An epitype is selected to clarify the application of a name when other type specimens are inadequate for identification.
Answer: True
An epitype is indeed selected to serve as an interpretative type when other type specimens do not adequately show the critical features needed for identification, thereby clarifying the name's application.
Which statement best distinguishes older botanical usage of the term 'type' from modern scientific standards?
Answer: Older usage could refer to the taxon itself, whereas modern usage primarily refers to a specific specimen or illustration.
In older botanical usage, the term 'type' could refer to the taxon itself. In contrast, modern practice mandates that a type is almost exclusively a specific specimen or illustration that anchors the scientific name.
In botanical nomenclature, what is the term for the single specimen or illustration clearly indicated by the author as the definitive reference for a taxon's name?
Answer: Holotype
A holotype is the single specimen or illustration explicitly designated by the original author as the definitive reference for a taxon's name. It is the primary and definitive reference for that scientific name.
What is an isotype in the context of botanical types?
Answer: A duplicate copy of the holotype specimen.
An isotype is a duplicate of the holotype specimen. If multiple copies of the original type specimen were made and distributed, any one of them can serve as an isotype, providing additional reference material for comparison.
Which type designation is used when other type specimens do not adequately show the critical features needed for identification, thereby clarifying the name's application?
Answer: Epitype
An epitype is selected to serve as an interpretative type when other type specimens do not adequately show the critical features needed for identification, thereby clarifying the name's application.
The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) is the governing body for the naming conventions of plants.
Answer: False
The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) governs the naming of animals, while the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN) governs the naming of plants.
In zoological nomenclature, the type for a genus is a specific physical specimen.
Answer: False
In zoological nomenclature, the type for a genus or subgenus is a species, not a specimen. That species, in turn, is anchored by its own name-bearing type specimen.
The term 'genotype' is currently used in zoology to refer to the type species of a genus.
Answer: False
The term 'genotype' was previously used for the type species of a genus but was abandoned due to confusion with its established meaning in genetics. The current term is 'type species'.
A type genus is used to form the name of a species.
Answer: False
A type genus serves as the basis for forming the name of a family or subfamily, not a species. The species' name is independent of the genus's type designation.
The ICZN currently prohibits the designation of a neotype under any circumstances to maintain nomenclatural stability.
Answer: False
The ICZN does not prohibit neotype designation under all circumstances; it allows designation only when there is an 'exceptional need' to clarify the taxonomic status of a species, reflecting a preference for original types but acknowledging exceptions.
'Fixation' in nomenclature refers to the process of preserving a specimen in alcohol.
Answer: False
In the context of nomenclature codes, 'fixation' refers to the formal declaration of a name-bearing type, which anchors a scientific name, not to the method of specimen preservation.
If a genus's type species is later determined to belong to a different, pre-existing genus, the original generic name is typically abandoned and becomes a synonym.
Answer: True
When a genus's type species is reclassified into a different, pre-existing genus, the original generic name is usually abandoned as a synonym, reflecting the established taxonomic hierarchy.
A family name in zoology must be changed if its designated type genus becomes a synonym.
Answer: False
In zoological nomenclature, a family name remains valid even if its type genus is later found to be a synonym. The family name is retained irrespective of the taxonomic status of its type genus.
Which two international codes govern the naming and classification of organisms based on type specimens?
Answer: ICZN and ICN
The two primary international codes are the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) for animals and the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN) for plants.
According to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN), what must be the type of a genus?
Answer: The same type as one of its constituent species.
In botanical nomenclature, a genus is required to have the same type as one of its constituent species, establishing a direct link between the genus name and the type specimen of one of its species.
In zoological nomenclature, what serves as the type for a genus?
Answer: A species within that genus.
The type of a genus or subgenus in zoology is a species. This species, in turn, has its own name-bearing type specimen that anchors the genus name.
Why was the term 'genotype' abandoned for referring to the type species of a genus in zoology?
Answer: It became widely known in genetics for a different concept, causing confusion.
The term 'genotype' was previously used for the type species of a genus but was abandoned due to its established and widespread use in genetics, which prevented confusion.
What is the current ICZN stance on designating a neotype?
Answer: Neotypes can be designated only when there is an 'exceptional need' to clarify taxonomic status.
The current ICZN prohibits the designation of a neotype unless there is an 'exceptional need' for clarifying the taxonomic status of a species, reflecting a preference for using original types whenever possible.
What does the term 'fixation' mean in the context of the Nomenclature Codes?
Answer: The formal declaration of a name-bearing type.
In the context of nomenclature codes, 'fixation' refers to the formal declaration of a name-bearing type, which anchors a scientific name.
If a genus's type species is later found to belong to a different, pre-existing genus, what typically happens to the original generic name?
Answer: It becomes a synonym and is usually abandoned.
When a genus's type species is reclassified into a different, pre-existing genus, the original generic name is usually abandoned as a synonym, reflecting the established taxonomic hierarchy.
How is a type genus used in zoology?
Answer: To form the name of a family or subfamily.
A type genus serves as the basis for forming the name of a family or subfamily, providing a consistent structure for higher taxonomic ranks.
What is the role of a 'type species' in zoology?
Answer: It is the nominal species that serves as the name-bearing type of a nominal genus or subgenus.
A type species is the nominal species that serves as the name-bearing type of a nominal genus or subgenus, anchoring the genus name.
Which statement accurately reflects the relationship between a family name and its type genus in zoology?
Answer: The family name remains valid even if its type genus passes into synonymy.
In zoological nomenclature, a family name remains valid even if its type genus is later found to be a synonym. The family name is retained irrespective of the taxonomic status of its type genus.
The 'type locality' specifies the institution where a type specimen is deposited.
Answer: False
The type locality denotes the geographical location where the type specimen was originally collected. The institution where a specimen is deposited is typically indicated separately in the species description.
For parasitic organisms, the 'type host' indicates the geographical origin of the specimen.
Answer: False
For parasitic organisms, the 'type host' (or 'symbiotype') specifies the host organism from which the type specimen was collected, providing essential ecological context rather than geographical origin.
A topotype is a specimen collected from the same location as the original type specimen.
Answer: True
A topotype is indeed a specimen obtained from the same geographical location as the original type specimen, providing valuable contextual information.
What does the 'type locality' provide for a specimen?
Answer: The geographical location where the type specimen was originally found.
The type locality denotes the geographical location where the type specimen was originally collected, providing important information about the specimen's origin and potential habitat variations.
For a parasitic organism, what term identifies the host from which the type specimen was collected?
Answer: Type host or symbiotype
For parasitic organisms, the 'type host' (or 'symbiotype') specifies the host organism from which the type specimen was collected, providing essential ecological context for the parasite's classification.
A specimen obtained from the same geographical location as the original type specimen is known as a:
Answer: Topotype
A topotype is a specimen obtained from the same geographical location as the original type specimen, providing valuable contextual information.
A hapantotype is a type designation used for mammals, consisting of a single preserved individual.
Answer: False
A hapantotype is a special type designation used for protists, where the type consists of multiple related individuals within a preparation medium, such as a blood smear, to represent different life stages or forms.
An ergatotype is used to define a species based on its reproductive caste in insects like ants and bees.
Answer: False
An ergatotype is used to define a species based on its worker caste in insects such as ants, bees, and wasps, which often exhibit polymorphic castes. It represents the non-reproductive worker form.
The informal term 'kleptotype' refers to a type specimen that has been properly curated and archived.
Answer: False
The informal term 'kleptotype' refers to a type specimen or part thereof that has been stolen or improperly relocated, highlighting issues of specimen provenance and security.
DNA sequences from tissue samples can serve as type material for new species descriptions, but they lack the long-term stability of physical specimens.
Answer: False
While DNA sequences can serve as type material, their long-term stability is a consideration. However, the primary argument for their value is their potential to resolve validity disputes when properly vouchered and stored, especially when genetic information is critical.
Under what primary circumstance might an image or illustration be designated as a type specimen in biological classification?
Answer: When a physical specimen is unavailable, lost, or destroyed.
An image or illustration can serve as a type specimen when a physical specimen is unavailable or has been lost or destroyed. This is particularly relevant in early taxonomy when preserving specimens was challenging, or for microscopic organisms where slides might be lost or difficult to navigate.
What is an 'ergatotype' in zoology, particularly relevant for insects such as ants?
Answer: A specimen representing the worker member of the species.
An ergatotype is used to define a species based on its worker caste in insects such as ants, bees, and wasps, which often exhibit polymorphic castes. It represents the non-reproductive worker form.
Which type designation is used for protists and may consist of multiple related individuals within a preparation medium, such as a blood smear?
Answer: Hapantotype
A hapantotype is a special type designation used for protists, where the type consists of multiple related individuals within a preparation medium, such as a blood smear, to represent different life stages or forms.
The Burmese python, *Python bivittatus*, is based on illustrations by Albertus Seba. What is the term for illustrations used as the basis for a species name?
Answer: Iconotype
An iconotype is an illustration on which a new species or subspecies was based. The Burmese python, *Python bivittatus*, is an example based on illustrations by Albertus Seba.
What potential issue arises from describing a new species using only DNA sequences from a specimen that is subsequently released, as exemplified by the Bulo Burti boubou?
Answer: The absence of a physical type specimen might lead to future questions about the species' status.
Describing a species using only DNA sequences from a released specimen can lead to future questions about the species' status due to the absence of a physical type specimen, potentially requiring a neotype designation.
What is the primary argument for the value of tissue samples as type material in modern taxonomy?
Answer: They can be as valuable as preserved specimens if properly vouchered and stored, especially for genetic information.
Tissue samples, when properly vouchered and stored, can be as valuable as preserved specimens for resolving disputes about a species' validity, particularly when genetic information is critical.