Autapomorphies – Definition & Meaning

Autapomorphies are a concept in biology that are used to describe unique characteristics or traits that are specific to a particular species or group of organisms. These traits are often used to help identify and classify different species and are an important tool for scientists studying evolution and biodiversity.

Definitions

Autapomorphies are defined as unique characteristics or traits that are not shared with any other species or group of organisms. These traits are often used to help distinguish one species from another and are an important tool for scientists studying evolutionary relationships and biodiversity.

Origin

The term autapomorphy was first coined by German biologist Willi Hennig in the 1950s. Hennig was a pioneer in the field of cladistics, which is a method of classifying organisms based on their evolutionary relationships.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an autapomorphy is “a characteristic or trait that is unique to a particular species or group of organisms and is not found in any other species or group.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “a unique character or trait possessed by a single taxon or group of organisms.”

Associations

Autapomorphies are often used in conjunction with other characteristics and traits to help identify and classify different species. They are an important tool for scientists studying evolution and biodiversity, as they can provide valuable insights into the evolutionary relationships between different organisms.

Synonyms

Synonyms for autapomorphies include unique characteristics, distinctive traits, and singular features.

Antonyms

Antonyms for autapomorphies include shared characteristics, common traits, and universal features.

The same root words

The root words of autapomorphies are “auto,” which means “self,” and “apomorphy,” which refers to a derived characteristic that is unique to a particular group of organisms.

Example Sentences

  1. The autapomorphies of the bird species included its unique feather coloration and the shape of its beak.
  2. Scientists were able to distinguish between the two closely related species based on their autapomorphies.
  3. The presence of certain autapomorphies in the fossil record provided important clues about the evolutionary history of a particular group of organisms.
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