type species

American  

noun

Biology.

1. the species of a genus that is regarded as the best example of the generic characters of the genus; the species from which a genus was originally named.

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type species Scientific  

1. See holotype

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Etymology

Origin of type species

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

type species

The authors' molecular work on type species is a major contribution to mycology because it establishes an authoritative foundation for all future work on Psilocybe diversity in taxonomy.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 9, 2024

The type species of the genus, E eidmanni, lives in the nests of the ant Crematogaster impressa on Bioko island, Equatorial Guinea.

From The Guardian ● Oct. 13, 2012

Grendelius is certainly synonymous with Brachypterygius, but opinions differ as to whether B. mordax is distinct from the type species, B. extremus.

From Scientific American ● Jan. 3, 2012

These specimens also differ from the eastern moose in the same manner as does the Kenai Peninsula animal, except in the antlers, which approximate to those of the type species.

From American Big Game in Its Haunts by Various

It remains rather obscure, though the type species originally “was discovered in great abundance in a roadside puddle subject to desiccation.”

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6 "English Language" to "Epsom Salts" by Various