Paratype vs. Holotype — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 9, 2024
Paratypes are additional specimens used to help describe it more fully; holotype is a single physical example of an organism, known to define a species.
Difference Between Paratype and Holotype
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Paratypes are specimens collected along with the holotype and serve to provide additional data about the variability and characteristics of the species. In contrast, a holotype is the single specimen upon which the description of a new species is based. It serves as the primary reference point for the species' identification and classification.
The holotype holds a unique status in taxonomy as it permanently attaches to the species name and is the ultimate source of comparison for any taxonomic review. Whereas paratypes, although important, do not carry the same weight of authority in defining a species.
Once a holotype is designated, it cannot be substituted unless it is lost or destroyed. Paratypes, on the other hand, do not face such stringent restrictions and can be more numerous, offering broader insight into the species.
The selection of a holotype is a critical step in species description and is often chosen for its quality and the completeness of its features, which must exemplify the species. Paratypes, while also selected carefully, are primarily used to demonstrate the range of variation within the species.
In situations where a holotype is no longer available, no new holotype can be designated; this differs from paratypes, which do not have a singular status and can sometimes be replaced or supplemented if needed.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Specimens that support the holotype
The single specimen defining a species
Authority
Supplemental, aids in defining variability
Highest, as it is the basis of the species
Substitutability
Replaceable or supplementary
Irreplaceable (unless lost or destroyed)
Selection Criteria
Illustrate variability, good quality
Exemplary features, high quality
Impact on Taxonomy
Help in further understanding the species
Permanent attachment to species name
Compare with Definitions
Paratype
A specimen other than the holotype that is used to help describe the species.
Researchers examined paratypes to assess genetic diversity within the species.
Holotype
Officially registered and preserved in a recognized institution.
The holotype is catalogued and maintained meticulously at the botanical garden.
Paratype
Can be one of several specimens that illustrate the species' variability.
Paratypes from different regions showed variation in color patterns.
Holotype
Critical for the stability and universality of scientific names.
Taxonomists studied the holotype to resolve a naming dispute.
Paratype
Plays a supporting role in species description and classification.
The paratypes were crucial for understanding the full range of the species' habitat.
Holotype
The single type specimen upon which the description of a new species is formally based.
The museum displayed the holotype of the newly discovered frog species.
Paratype
Not bound to a single specimen; can include multiple individuals.
Several paratypes were added to the study to provide a comprehensive overview.
Holotype
A unique reference specimen in taxonomic nomenclature.
Scientists referred back to the holotype to confirm their findings on the species' characteristics.
Paratype
Often housed and studied in multiple institutions.
Paratypes of the species are distributed among several international museums.
Holotype
An irreplaceable specimen unless lost or destroyed.
The holotype was destroyed in a fire, necessitating a neotype designation.
Paratype
One of two or more biological specimens or other elements from which a holotype was designated in the original published description of a species or subspecies.
Holotype
A holotype is a single physical example (or illustration) of an organism, known to have been used when the species (or lower-ranked taxon) was formally described. It is either the single such physical example (or illustration) or one of several examples, but explicitly designated as the holotype.
Paratype
In zoology and botany, a paratype is a specimen of an organism that helps define what the scientific name of a species and other taxon actually represents, but it is not the holotype (and in botany is also neither an isotype nor a syntype). Often there is more than one paratype.
Holotype
The single specimen or other element used or designated as the type specimen of a species or subspecies in the original published description of the taxon.
Paratype
(taxonomy) A physical specimen (or an illustration) that is not the holotype but is considered the same taxon by the author of the holotype.
Holotype
(taxonomy) The single physical example (or illustration) of an organism used to formally describe the species (or lower-order taxon), subsequently to be kept as a reference.
Holotype
The original specimen from which the description of a new species is made
Common Curiosities
Can paratypes become a holotype?
No, paratypes cannot become holotypes; they are distinct in that they support but do not define a species.
How are holotypes and paratypes preserved?
Both holotypes and paratypes are preserved in scientific institutions like museums or herbaria to maintain their condition and availability for study.
Are paratypes always required when describing a new species?
While not always required, paratypes are highly valuable in providing additional data and context for the variability of the species.
What is a paratype?
A paratype is any specimen of a species that is collected along with the holotype and is used to provide additional context or data about the species.
Why might a holotype be declared lost or destroyed?
A holotype might be declared lost or destroyed due to natural disasters, accidents, or other unforeseen circumstances that damage the specimen.
How are disputes over holotype characteristics resolved?
Disputes are typically resolved through additional research, consultation of the original descriptions, and sometimes by examining related specimens.
What is the role of institutions in preserving holotypes and paratypes?
Institutions play a critical role in preserving these specimens, ensuring their longevity and availability for ongoing and future scientific research.
Can a paratype ever replace a holotype in taxonomic importance?
No, a paratype cannot replace a holotype in taxonomic importance; it serves only to supplement and support the data provided by the holotype.
How do researchers select a holotype?
Researchers select a holotype based on its quality, completeness, and representation of typical features of the species.
What is a holotype?
A holotype is the single specimen that is used to formally define a species.
Why is the holotype considered irreplaceable?
The holotype is considered irreplaceable because it serves as the definitive reference for a species' characteristics and taxonomy.
How do paratypes help in taxonomic studies?
Paratypes help by providing a broader understanding of the species' variability and ecological adaptations.
Can the number of paratypes influence species understanding?
Yes, a larger number of paratypes can provide more comprehensive insights into the species' variability and distribution.
What happens if a holotype is lost?
If a holotype is lost, a neotype may be designated, which is a new type specimen chosen to replace the original.
What safeguards are in place to protect holotypes and paratypes?
Safeguards include rigorous documentation, secure storage conditions, and policies for handling and studying these critical specimens.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
