synapomorphy

views updated May 08 2018

synapomorphy The possession of apomorphic features by two or more taxa in common (i.e. the features are shared, derived). If the two groups share a character state that is not the primitive one, it is plausible that they are related evolutionarily, and only synapomorphic character states can be used as evidence that taxa are related. Phylogenetic trees are built by discovering groups united by synapomorphies.

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY

synapomorphy

views updated May 21 2018

synapomorphy See apomorphy.

A Dictionary of Biology

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synapomorphy

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