Definition

A specimen or illustration that is chosen to represent a species or subspecies when the original author did not specify a type.

Example

The scientist selected a lectotype to clarify the classification of the species.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a lectotype?

Yeah, I think it's that specimen used as a type for naming a species, right?

Exactly! It's chosen when the original author didn’t pick one themselves.

That's interesting — it must be important for scientific classification.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lectotype → It is formed from "lectus" (meaning chosen) and "type" (from Greek "typos", meaning impression or model). The word refers to a chosen type specimen that serves as a reference point for a species in taxonomy.

Memory Tip

Think of 'chosen' ('lectus') to remember that a 'lectotype' is a chosen reference specimen in classification.

Visually Confused Words