How Do You Spell POLYPHYLETIC?

Pronunciation: [pˌɒlɪfa͡ɪlˈɛtɪk] (IPA)

The word "polyphyletic" is often misspelled due to its complex pronunciation. The correct spelling is pɑlɪfəˈlɛtɪk. The first syllable "poly" is pronounced as "pahl-i" with a long "a" sound. The second syllable "phy" is pronounced as "fə", which is the schwa sound. The third syllable "le" is pronounced as "lɛ" with a short "e" sound. The fourth syllable "tic" is pronounced as "tɪk" with a short "i" sound. Despite its challenging spelling, the term is commonly used in biology to describe a group of organisms that have different evolutionary origins.

POLYPHYLETIC Meaning and Definition

1. Polyphyletic is an adjective used in biology and taxonomy to describe a group of organisms that share a common characteristic or trait, but are not derived from a common ancestral species. In other words, it refers to a taxonomic grouping that includes species from different evolutionary lineages or clades.

   The term is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "poly," meaning many, and "phylon," meaning race or tribe. Hence, a polyphyletic group represents a diverse range of species that have multiple origins and do not originate from a single common ancestor.

   The classification of organisms into monophyletic, paraphyletic, or polyphyletic groups is important in evolutionary biology, as it helps to understand the relationships and evolutionary history of different species. Polyphyletic groups are considered less desirable than monophyletic groups, as they do not reflect the true evolutionary relationships between species.

   An example of a polyphyletic group is the grouping of birds and bats together based on their ability to fly. Although both birds and bats can fly and share this characteristic, they are from distinct evolutionary lineages and do not share a recent common ancestor. Therefore, the grouping of birds and bats as a single polyphyletic group is incorrect from an evolutionary perspective.

   In summary, the term "polyphyletic" describes a taxonomic grouping that includes species from different evolutionary origins, thereby lacking a common ancestor.

2. Derived from more than one source, or having several lines of descent; opposed to monophyletic.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for POLYPHYLETIC

• pollyphyletic
• Poliphyletic
• Polephyletic
• Paolephyletic

Etymology of POLYPHYLETIC

The word "polyphyletic" derives from the combination of two Greek roots: "poly", meaning "many", and "phylon", meaning "race" or "tribe". The term was coined in 1889 by the German biologist Ernst Haeckel to describe a particular type of taxonomic grouping in which the members share a common characteristic, but do not share a common ancestor.