Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
apomorphic
Adjective
/ˌæp.əˈmɔː.fɪk/
Definition
Pertaining to a derived or specialized character that has evolved from an ancestral character.
Examples
- In the study of evolutionary biology, an apomorphic trait can help distinguish one species from another.
- The presence of feathers in birds is an apomorphic characteristic that evolved from their dinosaur ancestors.
- Apomorphic features can be crucial in understanding the evolutionary relationships among different species.
Meaning
Apomorphic refers to traits or features that are newly developed in a species compared to its ancestors, often seen in evolutionary biology.
Synonyms
- Derived
- Specialized
- Advanced
