Materials

Treatment

A well-defined part of a scientific publication documenting the features of a particular taxon, including a diagnosis of the taxon, references to previous work, an extended description, notes on distribution and habitat, citation of material, and general comments.

Species

The most basic unit of classification and taxonomic rank of a biological organism, grouping individuals based on shared characteristics.

Specimen

A gathering (or part of a gathering) of a single species or infraspecific taxon—excluding admixtures—mounted as one or more preparations with parts clearly labeled or sharing an original label. A specimen cannot be a living organism or an active culture.

Material Citation

A citation of testimony material (specimen) that was collected, deposited in a scientific collection, and linked to a given treatment. It testifies to the presence of the taxon in a specific location and enables morphological, ecological, and biological verification.

Protologue

The original description of a taxon that validates its publication, including description, diagnosis, illustrations, references, synonymy, geographical data, specimen citations, and comments.

Original Material

Comprises the specimens and illustrations from which a lectotype may be chosen:

1. Specimens and illustrations (published or unpublished) associated with the taxon and available to the author at or before the time of preparation.
2. Illustrations published as part of the protologue.
3. The holotype and specimens indicated as types (syntypes or paratypes) at valid publication.
4. Isotypes or isosyntypes regardless of whether seen by the author.

Types

Nomenclatural types are elements (usually a specimen, sometimes an illustration) to which a taxon name is permanently attached. Main types include holotype, isotype, syntype, paratype, lectotype, neotype, and type.

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