Type specimens

A type specimen is a reference example of a species used by scientists to define and identify that species accurately. It serves as the standard by which other specimens are compared to ensure consistent naming and classification. Originally, the type specimen is often a physical specimen (like a preserved plant or animal) kept in a natural history collection. Having a clear, established type specimen helps prevent confusion and ensures that everyone referring to a species is talking about the same organism. It’s an important tool in taxonomy for maintaining clarity and stability in scientific naming.