polytypic

American  

[pol-ee-tip-ik] / ˌpɒl iˈtɪp ɪk /

Often polytypical

adjective

1. having or involving many or several types.

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polytypic British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈtɪpɪk /

adjective

1. existing in, consisting of, or incorporating several different types or forms

2. biology (of a taxonomic group) having many subdivisions, esp (of a species) having many subspecies and geographical races

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polytypic Scientific  

/ pŏl′ē-tĭp′ĭk /

1. 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.

2. Compare monotypic

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Etymology

Origin of polytypic

First recorded in 1885–90; poly- + type ( def. ) + -ic ( def. )

Example Sentences

Put together, Mayr said, these various practical and theoretical considerations dictated that every one of the human fossils known should be placed within a single evolving polytypic lineage.

From Scientific American • Jun. 12, 2015

Here we have what may perhaps be regarded as a glimmering of the distinction between monotypic and polytypic evolution.

From Darwin, and After Darwin (Vol 3 of 3) Post-Darwinian Questions: Isolation and Physiological Selection by Romanes, George John

The bar of mutual sterility, whenever and wherever it occurs, must always render polytypic evolution possible.

From Darwin, and After Darwin (Vol 3 of 3) Post-Darwinian Questions: Isolation and Physiological Selection by Romanes, George John

It has been shown that divergent or polytypic evolution on common areas is inexplicable by natural selection alone.

From Darwin, and After Darwin (Vol 3 of 3) Post-Darwinian Questions: Isolation and Physiological Selection by Romanes, George John

First, the distinction between monotypic and polytypic evolution is not defined.

From Darwin, and After Darwin (Vol 3 of 3) Post-Darwinian Questions: Isolation and Physiological Selection by Romanes, George John