Plesiomorphy
- Pronunciation
- /plee-zee-oh-MOR-fee/
- Category
- Evolutionary Biology
- Singular
- Plesiomorphy
- Plural
- Plesiomorphies
Definition
The retention of primitive or ancestral traits in a descendant lineage.
Etymology
From Greek 'plesios', meaning 'near' or 'close', and 'morphe', meaning 'form'.
Example
The plesiomorphic trait of wing venation in dragonflies is shared by both dragonflies and their ancestors.
Related Terms
- Ancestral trait
- Synapomorphy
- Evolution
- Homoplasy
Usage Notes
Plesiomorphies can be used to trace evolutionary relationships and understand the evolution of traits.