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

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

The anterior end is square or cylindrical; the type species has a four-sided mouth, but many specimens may be found which have a plain cylindrical mouth region.

From Marine Protozoa from Woods Hole Bulletin of the United States Fish Commission 21:415-468, 1901 by Calkins, Gary N. (Gary Nathan)

If, and only if, the species of one family originated from a single type species, could families, be founded rationally, avec raison.

From Form and Function A Contribution to the History of Animal Morphology by E. S. (Edward Stuart) Russell