In biological sciences and paleontology, a type is a selected individual that forms the basis for defining and naming a living thing.
Type specimens are the reference for identifying living creatures and their names. The individual specimen, which was defined by the author in the initial description as the eponymous individual item, is referred to as the holotype.
The exact procedure for determining types is described in the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants or in the International Rules for Zoological Nomenclature.
Type material is specially marked in collections, specially secured and not loaned out.
In other natural sciences, the originals of published photos and scientific studies are also referred to as types.
