Question

Neotype is
A. Nomenclature type from the original material.
B. Nomenclature type when the original material is missing.
C. One of the two or more species cited by the author.
D. New species discovered by a scientist.

Answer 1

In the word neotype, ‘neo’ means new. When the original sample and its isotype get destroyed, a Neotype is designated for the new sample.

Complete answer: While collecting and naming new or exotic species from a new area, a researcher uses various names to tag them. This naming is called nomenclature. When a researcher finds a new species and collects part of a specimen from it, he/she names it as holotype. Along with the holotype, the researcher collects other similar parts from the same specimen and names it as isotype. Now, in case the researcher lost his/her original holotype or isotype or in case they both get destroyed, he/she will replace it with a new specimen, and this new specimen is named as Neotype.
Option A states that Neotype is nomenclature type from the original material. But the name type which is provided to the original specimen is called holotype.
Option B states that Neotype is nomenclature type when the original material is missing. This statement is correct as it clearly says that a ‘new’ sample will be named in place of the original material as it is not available.
Option C is that Neotype is one of the two or more species cited by the author. But such species come under syntype. These species are presented in reference to original species as they are similar to the original.
Option D states that Neotype is a new species discovered by a scientist. This is not a Neotype but it is a holotype.
So, the correct answer is option B

Note: The nomenclature is a complex process and care should be taken while naming the discovered species. All the rules and a serial order should be followed for proper scientific naming.