Plesiotype

Pronunciation: /PLEE-see-oh-type/

Category: Taxonomy

Singular: Plesiotype

Plural: Plesiotypes

Definition

An additional specimen of a species or subspecies that is neither the holotype nor the paratype, used for comparison in taxonomic studies.

Etymology

Derived from Greek 'plesios,' meaning 'close' or 'near,' and 'typos,' meaning 'type' or 'model.'

Example

Researchers examined the plesiotype to verify the identifying characteristics of the new subspecies.

Related Terms

Holotype
Paratype
Lectotype
Neotype

Usage Notes

A plesiotype serves as an important reference in taxonomic clarifications and revisions, but it does not have the same nomenclatural status as the holotype or paratype.