Paraphyletic
Paraphyletic
Paraphyletic (pronunciation: /ˌparəfaɪˈlɛtɪk/) is a term used in phylogenetics to describe a group of organisms that includes an ancestor but not all of its descendants. The term is derived from the Greek words "para" meaning "beside" and "phyle" meaning "tribe" or "race".
Etymology
The term "paraphyletic" was first used in the context of taxonomy by the German entomologist Willi Hennig in the mid-20th century. It is derived from the Greek words "para" (beside) and "phyle" (tribe or race). In this context, it refers to a group that is defined by shared characteristics, but does not include all descendants of a common ancestor.
Related Terms
- Monophyletic: A group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all of its descendants.
- Polyphyletic: A group of organisms that does not include the most recent common ancestor of its members.
- Clade: A group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all of its descendants, equivalent to a monophyletic group.
- Phylogenetic tree: A diagram showing the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on their genetic characteristics.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Paraphyletic
- Wikipedia's article - Paraphyletic
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