apomorphic

English

Etymology

apo- + -morphic

Adjective

apomorphic (comparative more apomorphic, superlative most apomorphic)

1. (taxonomy, of a characteristic) Distinguishing an organism or taxon from others that share the same ancestor

   The possession of cilia is an apomorphic trait of this family.

2. (taxonomy, of a taxon) Distinguished by such characteristics

   The genus is highly apomorphic.

Derived terms

• apomorphically

Coordinate terms

• plesiomorphic

Related terms

• anapomorphic