Type species Type (biology)

the common toad, bufo bufo described linnaeus, type species genus bufo

each genus must have designated type species (the term genotype once used has been abandoned because word has become better known term different concept in genetics). description of genus based on type species, modified , expanded features of other included species. generic name permanently associated name-bearing type of type species.

ideally, type species best exemplifies essential characteristics of genus belongs, subjective and, ultimately, technically irrelevant, not requirement of code. if type species proves, upon closer examination, belong pre-existing genus (a common occurrence), of constituent species must either moved pre-existing genus, or disassociated original type species , given new generic name; old generic name passes synonymy , abandoned unless there pressing need make exception (decided case-by-case, via petition international commission on zoological nomenclature).