polytypic

American  

[pol-ee-tip-ik] / ˌpɒl iˈtɪp ɪk /

Often polytypical

adjective

1. having or involving many or several types.

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polytypic British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈtɪpɪk /

adjective

1. existing in, consisting of, or incorporating several different types or forms

2. biology (of a taxonomic group) having many subdivisions, esp (of a species) having many subspecies and geographical races

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polytypic Scientific  

/ pŏl′ē-tĭp′ĭk /

1. Having several variant forms, especially containing more than one taxonomic category of the next lower rank. A polytypic genus contains two or more different species, while a polytypic species consists of two or more subspecies.

2. Compare monotypic

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Etymology

Origin of polytypic

First recorded in 1885–90; poly- + type ( def. ) + -ic ( def. )

Example Sentences

Put together, Mayr said, these various practical and theoretical considerations dictated that every one of the human fossils known should be placed within a single evolving polytypic lineage.

From Scientific American • Jun. 12, 2015

In order that the original group of intergenerants should be divided and sub-divided into two or more groups of intergenerants, some additional form of isolation must necessarily supervene—when, of course, polytypic evolution will result.

From Darwin, and After Darwin (Vol 3 of 3) Post-Darwinian Questions: Isolation and Physiological Selection by Romanes, George John

In order to secure polytypic evolution, intercrossing between the different beneficial variants which may arise must be prevented; and there is nothing to prevent such intercrossing in the process of natural selection per se.

From Darwin, and After Darwin (Vol 3 of 3) Post-Darwinian Questions: Isolation and Physiological Selection by Romanes, George John

Or, in other words, natural selection, when acting alone, can never induce polytypic evolution, but only monotypic.

From Darwin, and After Darwin (Vol 3 of 3) Post-Darwinian Questions: Isolation and Physiological Selection by Romanes, George John

Here we have what may perhaps be regarded as a glimmering of the distinction between monotypic and polytypic evolution.

From Darwin, and After Darwin (Vol 3 of 3) Post-Darwinian Questions: Isolation and Physiological Selection by Romanes, George John