Plesiomorphy Definition
plēsē-ə-môrfē, plēzē-
plesiomorphies
noun
An evolved character or trait that is shared by some or all members of a phylogenetic group and their common ancestor but is not unique to that group. A segmented spinal column is a plesiomorphy of mammals, being present as well in other groups such as fishes, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
American Heritage Medicine
Other Word Forms of Plesiomorphy
Noun
Singular:
plesiomorphy
Plural:
plesiomorphiesOrigin of Plesiomorphy
-
Greek plēsios near to pel-5 in Indo-European roots –morphy
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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