What significance did Baird assign to Sphyrapicus varius when erecting the genus Sphyrapicus in 1858?

Answer

Its morphology and behavior were established as the foundational characteristics against which related species were compared, making it the type species

When taxonomists establish a new genus, they must formally designate one species to serve as the reference standard against which all other members of that new genus are measured. This designated reference point is known as the type species. In the creation of the Genus *Sphyrapicus* by Baird in 1858, *Sphyrapicus varius* fulfilled this role. This means that the morphology, anatomical features, and established behavioral traits of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker provided the baseline template used by systematists to confirm that *S. nuchalis* and *S. ruber* belonged in the same grouping, solidifying its foundational importance within this specific lineage.

What significance did Baird assign to *Sphyrapicus varius* when erecting the genus *Sphyrapicus* in 1858?

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What foot structure characterizes the Order Piciformes, including toucans and barbets?Which species are included in the Genus *Sphyrapicus* besides *S. varius*?What does the specific name *varius* denote for *Sphyrapicus varius*?What fundamental requirement places *Sphyrapicus varius* in the Kingdom Animalia?What highly specialized diet behavior distinguishes *S. varius* within the Family Picidae structure?What statement confirms *S. varius* is evolutionarily closer to a Costa Rican toucan than a flycatcher?What specific structural feature is shared among all members of Phylum Chordata, including the sapsucker?What significance did Baird assign to *Sphyrapicus varius* when erecting the genus *Sphyrapicus* in 1858?What avian features specifically place the sapsucker within Class Aves?What subtle, consistent difference do taxonomists use to delineate the three species within the Genus *Sphyrapicus*?

taxonomy bird animal classification sapsucker