Synapomorphy
- Pronunciation
- /sin-ap-oh-MOR-fee/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Synapomorphy
- Plural
- Synapomorphies
Definition
A derived characteristic or trait that is shared by two or more taxa and their most recent common ancestor, indicating evolutionary relationships.
Etymology
From Greek 'syn-', meaning 'together', 'apo-', meaning 'from', and 'morphē', meaning 'form or shape'.
Example
The presence of compound eyes is a synapomorphy that links many arthropods.
Synonyms
- Shared derived character
Related Terms
- Homology
- Ancestral trait
- Taxon
- Cladistics
Usage Notes
Synapomorphies are crucial for the reconstruction of phylogenetic trees, helping to determine the evolutionary relationships between groups.