Question

Holotype is the specimen

• A. Synonym of paratype
• B. Synonym for neotype
• C. Synonym for lectotype
• D. Used by author of the name designated by him as the nomenclature type

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Used by author of the name designated by him as the nomenclature type

A plant taxonomist doing research has to study type specimens in order to ensure that names associated with plants are correct. The most important specimen is the holotype. The holotype designated by the researcher is the specimen to which a name is permanently attached. There can be only one holotype. Isotypes are duplicates of the holotypes. The holotype is deposited in a museum of the author's choosing and isotypes are usually distributed to major botanical institutions, such as the New York Botanical Garden and the Smithsonian. This ensures that there will be additional specimens available in case the holotype is lost or destroyed. When a holotype is not available, other kinds of types must be designated. Syntypes are specimens cited by the author, when a holotype was not designated or has been lost. A lectotype is a specimen designated by a later investigator, when no holotype is available. It is selected from the isotypes or syntypes.