Understanding Zoological Nomenclature Terms
The question describes a scenario involving the designation of type specimens for a newly discovered insect species. The curator designates a holotype, which is the single physical specimen upon which the description and name of a new species is based.
Defining the Opposite Sex Specimen
The scientist is asked to provide a sample of the opposite sex to the holotype. In zoological nomenclature, this specific type of specimen is called an allotype.
- Allotype: A designated specimen of the opposite sex to the holotype, often used to illustrate the sexual dimorphism of the species.
Other Type Specimen Designations
The other options provided represent different types of specimens or concepts:
- Isotype: Any specimen (other than the holotype) that was collected at the same time and from the same locality as the holotype and serves as a duplicate.
- Karyotype: Refers to the complete set of chromosomes (including the number and appearance) in the cells of an organism. This is a genetic term, not a type specimen designation.
- Neotype: A specimen later designated as the name-bearing type when the original holotype (or syntypes) is lost, destroyed, or is deemed unsuitable.
Therefore, the sample of the opposite sex provided alongside the holotype is designated as the allotype.
Important Questions from Biodiversity
- Which one of the following is an example of a cell type found only in a single phylum?
- The table below lists different insects and taxonomic orders. Choose the option that matches the animal to its correct taxonomic order.
Animal Taxonomic order P) Moths i) Hemiptera Q) True bugs ii) Orthoptera R) Crickets iii) Coleoptera S) Beetles iv) Lepidoptera v) Diptera - The mode of speciation in snakes in the Western Ghats is predominantly allopatric.A researcher wants to quantify diversification of snakes in this range. From theoptions given, choose the most cost and time efficient way to sample snakes.
- In which of the following plants is the dominant stage of the life cycle haploid?
- Match the combination of flora and fauna from the list, to the state where they are found.
Combination Fauna; Flora P Red panda; Rhododendron Q Pygmy hog; Elephant grass R Tiger; Mangrove S Hangul; Chinar
