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Translate files Phylogeny
/faɪˈlɒdʒəni/
Meaning & Definition
noun
The evolutionary history and relationships among a group of organisms.
The phylogeny of birds can be traced back to theropod dinosaurs.
A diagram that represents the evolutionary relationships among species or groups, known as a phylogenetic tree.
The phylogeny of the primate family is illustrated in this comprehensive phylogenetic tree.
The study of the evolutionary development and diversification of a particular group of organisms.
Research in phylogeny helps scientists understand the emergence of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
The sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or a group of species.
By analyzing genetic data, researchers can reconstruct the phylogeny of ancient mammals.
Etymology
From the Greek 'phylo-', meaning 'race' or 'tribe', and 'geny', meaning 'origin' or 'birth'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
phylogenetic tree
A branching diagram showing the relationships among various biological species.
molecular phylogeny
Using molecular data to determine the evolutionary relationships among species.
Related Words
taxonomy
The science of classification of organisms.
cladistics
A method of classifying species based on common ancestry.
evolution
The process through which species change over time.
Slang Meanings
Phylo
In the lab, we often refer to phylogenetic trees simply as 'phylo' diagrams.
Tree of life
When discussing species diversity, we might call it the 'tree of life'.