PARAPHYLETIC Definition & Meaning

paraphyletic

/ ��ă��′ə-��ī-��ĕ��′ĭ�� /

Relating to a taxonomic group that includes some but not all of the descendants of a common ancestor. In the traditional taxonomy of vertebrates, where fish are a separate class from the classes of terrestrial vertebrates, the class of fish is paraphyletic, since the terrestrial vertebrates are descended from a type of fish.
Compare monophyletic

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Arbitrarily excluding members creates what’s known as a ‘paraphyletic’ group, the equivalent of deciding not to invite a troublesome relative to your wedding – it doesn’t remove them from a family tree.

From

Puffinus was found to be paraphyletic by Heidrich et al.

From

Thus, the most likely explanation for the paraphyletic pattern seen in domestic individuals is a long history of genetic exchange between wild and domestic pigs.

From

Within striped windows, and/or H. timareta are paraphyletic but the taxa do not group by colour pattern.

From

Within striped windows, and/or H. timareta are paraphyletic but the taxa do not group by colour pattern.

From

Browse

�y��vlog

paraphyletic

Example Sentences