Syntype

In biological nomenclature, a syntype is a term used to indicate a specimen with a special status.

In zoological nomenclature, a syntype is defined as "Each specimen of a type series (q.v.) from which neither a holotype nor a lectotype has been designated [Arts. 72.1.2, 73.2, 74]. The syntypes collectively constitute the name-bearing type." (Glossary of the zoological Code ^[1]). This practice was common historically, and those syntypes which have not been replaced are still considered name-bearing types.^[2] Historically, syntypes were often explicitly designated as such. Under the present International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, for names newly published now, after 1999, it is a requirement to "expressly indicate [... those specimens ...] upon which the new taxon [i]s based [...]." (Art. 72.3 of the zoological Code^[2]). Describing species or subspecies, based on syntypes, in modern practice, is generally frowned upon by practicing taxonomists. A lectotype may be designated from among the syntypes, reducing the other specimens to the status of paralectotype.^[2] They are no longer name-bearing types, though if the lectotype is lost or destroyed, it is generally preferable to use a conspecific paralectotype as a replacement (neotype). Where specimens in a syntype series are found to belong to different taxa, this may cause nomenclatural instability, since the nominal species can be interpreted in different ways.^[3]

In botanical nomenclature, a syntype is defined as "any specimen cited in the protologue when there is no holotype, or any one of two or more specimens simultaneously designated as types." (Art. 9.4 of the 2006 botanical Code^[4]), so just about the opposite of what is laid down in the zoological Code.

References

1. ^ ICZN (1999). International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. 
2. ^ ^{a b c} Daniel L. Geiger (2006). "Taxonomy and taxonomic writing: a primer". In Charles F. Sturm, Timothy A. Pearce, Ángel Valdés. The Mollusks: a Guide to Their Study, Collection, and Preservation. Universal-Publishers. pp. 147–159. ISBN 9781581129304. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=-NbmHx93s8gC&pg=PA154. 
3. ^ Carden C. Wallace (1999). "Summary of type material". Staghorn Corals of the World: a Revision of the Coral Genus Acropora (Scleractinia; Astrocoeniina; Acroporidae) Worldwide, with Emphasis on Morphology, Phylogeny and Biogeography. CSIRO Publishing. pp. 7–19. ISBN 9780643063914. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=Y5uVU4MfIKAC&pg=PA1943. 
4. ^ McNeill & al. (2006). International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. 

See also

• Type (biology)