monotypic

[ mon-uh-tip-ik ]

adjective

1. having only one type.
2. of the nature of a monotype.
3. Biology. having only one representative, as a genus with a single species.

monotypic

/ ˌmɒnəʊˈtɪpɪk /

adjective

1. (of a genus or species) consisting of only one type of animal or plant
2. of or relating to a monotype

monotypic

/ mŏn′ə-tĭp′ĭk /

1. Having a single form or member, especially containing no more than one taxonomic category of the next lower rank. A monotypic genus contains a single species, while a monotypic species consists of a single population that is not divided into subspecies.
2. Compare polytypic

Word History and Origins

Origin of monotypic¹

1875–80; mono- + type ( def ) + -ic ( def )

Example Sentences

Until more material from critical areas is available for study, I continue to recognize angustapalata as a monotypic species.

From Project Gutenberg

The tribe is very poorly represented in tropical Africa; one species Oxytenanthera abyssinica has a wide range, and three monotypic genera are endemic in western tropical Africa.

From Project Gutenberg

In the case of monotypic evolution by natural selection alone, intercrossing with the parent type is prevented through the gradual extinction of that type by successive generations of the developing type.

From Project Gutenberg

Three are monotypic and the fourth has three subspecies, making a total of six taxa.

From Project Gutenberg

Geographical Distribution.—The genus is monotypic and is only known from Travancore and Cochin in the south-west of the Indian Peninsula.

From Project Gutenberg