A specimen termed lectotype is selected from the original material when no holotype exists.

Option Breakdown

These terms from botanical/zoological nomenclature define type specimens for naming taxa; the question targets selection from original material absent a holotype.

• Neotype: A new specimen chosen when all original material is lost or destroyed, replacing the type entirely—not from surviving original material.

• Lectotype: Correct answer—a specimen selected from the original material (e.g., syntypes or paratypes) cited by the author to serve as the single type when no holotype was designated.

• Isotype: A duplicate of an existing holotype, automatically generated at description time—not selected later or when no holotype exists.

• Syntype: Any one of multiple original specimens cited when no holotype was specified; all share type status initially, without later single selection.

A specimen selected from original material absent holotype lectotype stabilizes nomenclature by designating one authoritative example from the author’s cited samples.

Nomenclature Rules

Under ICBN/ICZN, authors ideally pick a holotype; absent that, syntypes apply. Lectotype selection prioritizes isotypes then syntypes from protologue material, ensuring stability over neotypes.

Term Differences

Neotypes replace lost originals; isotypes duplicate holotypes; syntypes are multiple originals without hierarchy. Lectotypes resolve ambiguity by choosing one from originals.

Practical Value

Lectotypes clarify species identity in herbaria, vital for revisions; e.g., selecting from syntypes prevents misidentification in biodiversity studies.