British Dictionary definitions for polytypic
polytypical
/ (ˌpɒlɪˈtɪpɪk) /
existing in, consisting of, or incorporating several different types or forms
biology (of a taxonomic group) having many subdivisions, esp (of a species) having many subspecies and geographical races
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for polytypic
[ pŏl′ē-tĭp′ĭk ]
Having several variant forms, especially containing more than one taxonomic category of the next lower rank. A polytypic genus contains two or more different species, while a polytypic species consists of two or more subspecies. Compare monotypic.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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