1. a specimen selected to serve as the type specimen when the original type specimen of a species has been lost or destroyed
Usage: biology; taxonomy

Examples

• The museum curator designated a neotype for the extinct bird species after the original specimen was damaged in a fire.
• Researchers selected a well-preserved neotype to replace the missing holotype of the newly discovered beetle.
• The taxonomist published a detailed description of the neotype specimen in the scientific journal.
• When the original type specimen could not be located, the committee approved the designation of a neotype.
• The neotype was chosen from specimens collected at the same location as the original type series.
• Establishing a neotype requires careful documentation and approval from the scientific community.