type specimen

A type specimen is a specific example of an organism that scientists use as a reference to define and identify a particular species. It serves as the official 'standard' for that species' characteristics, such as features and appearance. When a new species is discovered, the type specimen is collected, carefully documented, and stored in a museum or herbarium. This ensures that anyone studying or comparing similar organisms can refer back to this original specimen to determine if other specimens are the same species. Essentially, it establishes a clear, physical reference point for scientific consistency.