How Do You Spell PARATYPES?

Pronunciation: [pˈaɹətˌa͡ɪps] (IPA)

The word "paratypes" is spelled pæɹətaɪps in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "pæ" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat," followed by an "r" sound "ɹ." The third syllable "taɪ" is pronounced like "tie," and the fourth syllable "ps" is pronounced like the "ps" in "lips." "Paratypes" is a term used in taxonomy to refer to specimens that are similar to a type specimen but are not the same. This term is commonly used in biological research.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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PARATYPES Meaning and Definition

  1. Paratypes refer to a term used in taxonomy, particularly in the field of biology, to describe specimens that belong to the same species as the holotype. The holotype is the primary specimen upon which the description and naming of a new species is based. Paratypes serve as supplementary or additional examples of the same species, providing further evidence or representation of the traits, characteristics, and variability within the species.

    Paratypes are typically collected from the same location, during the same study or expedition, or at the same time as the holotype. While they may have been originally designated as part of the type series with the holotype, paratypes are not considered as important as the holotype when it comes to the official naming and description of a species. However, they hold great significance in the overall scientific study of taxonomy and biology, as they provide additional insights and comparative material for future research.

    Paratypes are essential for the complete understanding and documentation of a species, as they aid in recognizing variations within a species and contribute to the overall knowledge of its morphology, distribution, and ecological significance. These specimens may be deposited in various scientific collections such as museums or research institutions, where they can be preserved and studied by taxonomists and other researchers.

Common Misspellings for PARATYPES

Etymology of PARATYPES

The word "paratypes" is derived from two main components: "para-" and "-types".

- "Para-" is a prefix derived from Greek, meaning "beside" or "alongside".

- "-Types" originates from the Greek word "typos", meaning "impression" or "mold". It is used to refer to a pattern or model based on which something is made or produced.

In the field of biology and taxonomy, "type specimens" are the original specimens used to describe a new species. These specimens serve as the reference for that species. However, there can be additional specimens collected that belong to the same species but were not used in the original description. These additional specimens are called "paratypes", indicating their proximity or relation to the type specimens.