Question

Type specimen of a new species has to be
A. Described in Latin
B. Published in a recognized scientific journal
C. Kept in a recognized herbarium or collection
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: A type species is the name of the species with which the genus or subgenus name is considered to be permanently taxonomically associated. A type species is both a practical and concept system that is used in the nomenclature and classification of animals. Based on a type specimen, species are described by taxonomists.

Complete answer:
• A type specimen is an original specimen.
• From an original specimen description of a new species is made.
• The type specimen of a new species is described in Latin and published in a recognized scientific journal.
• For the preservation of the specimen, it should be kept in a recognized herbarium or collection for future references.
• A type specimen of an organism to which the scientific name of the organism is attached formally.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Additional information:
• A type based on which a new species is described for the first time is known as holotype.
• When holotype is not available, a lectotype is cited by the author. It is a specimen that is selected from the original material when the holotype is absent.
• Cotype is either used for syntype or paratype.

Note: Type specimens are important to scientists for the study of the classification of organisms and all studies of comparative biology. Descriptions of new species are important and are a necessary part of daily life. The description of the specimen should be in Latin and published in a recognized scientific journal. New species should be kept in a recognized herbarium. Specimen types are of great importance to biologists, mainly to taxonomists.