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

The bar of mutual sterility, whenever and wherever it occurs, must always render polytypic evolution possible.

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

Isolation of some sort seems necessary to polytypic evolution.

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

First, the distinction between monotypic and polytypic evolution is not defined.

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

For I take them to indicate a continued failure to perceive the all-important distinction between evolution as monotypic and polytypic.

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