Results for “phylogenetics”

phylogenetics

The study of evolutionary relatedness among species or other groups of organisms. May be based on morphology, molecular data, or both.

Used in 3 profiles

phylogenetic species concept

Species concept based on the evolutionary relationships among organisms, specifically using common ancestry and shared evolutionary history to define species. Under this concept a species is essentially the smallest group of organisms that share a common ancestor and can be distinguished from other such groups via phylogenetic analyses. Each such grouping constitutes a distinct branch on an evolutionary tree. Subspecies tend not to be recognised and it is generally less restrictive than the biological species concept. Often abbreviated to PSC.

Used in 1 profile

phylogenetic

Of or relating to phylogeny.

Used in 488 profiles

biological species concept

Most popular concept of species in vertebrate zoology. Defines species as members of populations that do or potentially could interbreed and produce fertile offspring in nature, regardless of appearance, therefore somewhat more restrictive than the phylogenetic species concept. In theory species are thus separated from one another by some form of reproductive isolation, though in practice this does not always hold true. Often abbreviated to BSC.

character

In ichthyology, any characteristic or its attributes used for recognising, describing, defining, or differentiating species, genera or higher taxa. Also used in phylogenetic analyses whereby ancestral (primitive) characters are termed plesiomorphic and derived (novel) characters apomorphic.

Used in 843 profiles

clade

A group of organisms sharing homologous features, believed to have evolved from a common ancestor following the principles of cladistics; a monophyletic group; a grouping hypothesised on the basis of phylogenetic information.

Used in 332 profiles

cladogram

Branching, tree-like diagram used in cladistics to represent the evolutionary tree of life. Used to depict phylogenetic relationships and show points at which species diverged from their common ancestral forms.

derived

Used in phylogenetics in reference to a character or character state not present in the ancestral form of a species; apomorphic.

Used in 190 profiles

derived trait

In phylogenetics, a trait present in an organism which was absent in the last common ancestor of the group being considered; an apomorphy. Also used to refer to traits present in the ancestral form that have subsequently been lost.

ingroup

In phylogenetics or cladistics, the particular group under scrutiny in a study. Opposite of outgroup.

outgroup

In phylogenetics, a group of organisms serving as a reference and comparison to the groups being studied. Opposite of ingroup.

paedomorphism

Phylogenetic state in which juvenile or larval characters are retained in and throughout the adult stage. May arise via neoteny or progenesis.

paraphyletic

In phylogenetics, a paraphyletic taxon is, loosely, an artificial grouping that does not include all descendants from the common ancestor of its members; monophyletic group from which one or more of clades is omitted in order to form an additional group.

Used in 42 profiles

species

Taxonomic rank into which a genus is divided, but otherwise difficult to delineate precisely with a single definition satisfying all eventualities still lacking to date. There exist a number of concepts of which the most popular in vertebrate taxonomy include the biological species concept and phylogenetic species concept.

Used in 1,790 profiles