holotype

In biology, a holotype is the single specimen that an author designates as the definitive example of a species or lesser taxonomic group when first describing it. This specimen serves as the primary reference for identifying other members of that group. If the original author didn't designate a holotype, a subsequent expert may select a neotype to fulfill this role. Other related terms include paratypes, which are specimens used alongside the holotype during the original description, and homeotypes, which are specimens later identified by comparison to an original type. These type specimens are crucial for the accurate verification and validation of scientific names in taxonomy.12345