Conclusion
Autapomorph is a term that is commonly used in the field of biology. It refers to a unique characteristic or trait that is found in a particular species or group of organisms. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, root words, and example sentences of autapomorph.
Definitions
Autapomorph is defined as a unique derived character or trait that is found in a single taxon or group of organisms. It is a distinguishing characteristic that sets a particular species apart from others in the same group.
Origin
The term autapomorph is derived from two Greek words, “auto” meaning self and “apomorph” meaning derived character. The term was first introduced by the German biologist Willi Hennig in his book “Phylogenetic Systematics” in 1966.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, autapomorph is “a unique derived character or trait that is found in a single taxon or group of organisms.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “a distinctive trait or feature of a particular species or group of organisms.”
Associations
Autapomorph is associated with the concept of phylogenetic systematics, which is a method of classifying organisms based on their evolutionary relationships. It is also used in cladistics, which is a method of analyzing the evolutionary relationships between organisms based on shared derived characters.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of autapomorph include unique character, derived trait, distinctive feature, and distinguishing characteristic.
Antonyms
The antonyms of autapomorph include ancestral character, primitive trait, and shared characteristic.
The same root words
The same root words as autapomorph include “auto” meaning self and “morph” meaning form or shape.
Example Sentences
- The autapomorph of the giant panda is its distinctive black and white fur.
- The autapomorph of the platypus is its ability to lay eggs and produce milk.
- The autapomorph of the kangaroo is its powerful hind legs and ability to hop.
In conclusion, autapomorph is a term that is commonly used in the field of biology to describe a unique characteristic or trait that is found in a particular species or group of organisms. It is a distinguishing feature that sets a particular species apart from others in the same group. Understanding the concept of autapomorph is important in the study of evolutionary relationships between organisms.