paraphyletic

Adjective

Meaning

A phylogenetic tree demonstrating how traditional reptiles are a paraphyletic group.
paraphyletic (not comparable)

(systematics) Of a defined group of taxa, not including all descendants of the most recent common ancestor of all members.

Synonyms

Examples

A 2013 analysis by Jack L. Conrad, Kirsten Jenkins, Thomas Lehmann, and others did not support Osteolaeminae as a true clade but rather a paraphyletic group consisting of two smaller clades. Source: Internet

Also, paraphyletic groups are involved in evolutionary transitions, the development of the first tetrapods from their ancestors for example. Source: Internet

Although the specific construction of the talus supported a close relationship between artiodactyls and cetaceans, the question of whether the even-toed ungulates are paraphyletic was not answered. Source: Internet

A molecular study undertaken in 2000 found Tropaeolum to be paraphyletic when the other two genera are segregated, so Magallan and Trophaeastrum were reduced to synonyms of Tropaeolum. Source: Internet

For example, the genera Magnolia and Michelia were shown to be paraphyletic when the remaining four genera of the Magnolioideae are split out. Source: Internet

However, the requirement that taxa be monophyletic - rather than paraphyletic as in the case of the Corvida - is itself part of the cladistic view of Taxonomy, not necessarily followed to an absolute degree by other schools. Source: Internet

Close letter words and terms