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Glite Dictionary
type species

type species

8.8
A species that shows the main features of its genus
  • noun
  • /taɪp ˈspiːʃiːz/
  • Specialized
translation icon : especie tipo
  • Zea mays is the type species of the genus Zea.

Examples

  • The selection of a type species helps stabilize the nomenclature of a genus.

  • The type species of the genus is crucial for classification.

  • The giant panda serves as the type species for the genus Ailuropoda.

  • Can you identify the type species in this family?

  • The type species of the genus Canis is the domestic dog, which exhibits the defining characteristics of this group.

  • In her research paper, she described the type species that exemplifies the unique traits shared by all members of its genus.

  • Understanding the type species is crucial for identifying other species within the same genus.

Surface Forms

species singular
species plural

Morphology

type + species

The compound combines 'type' (a representative category or exemplar) with 'species' (a group of organisms), so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to the species that exemplifies or represents the genus. This is a straightforward noun–noun composition common across languages and in scientific register, making the meaning readily derivable for a B1 learner.

Etymology

Type species comes from the idea of choosing one species as the type, a model example for a whole group of similar species. That chosen species is the one scientists use to show the group's main features, so it means 'the representative example' of the group.