phylogeny

noun

phy·​log·​e·​ny fī-ˈlä-jə-nē How to pronounce phylogeny (audio)
plural phylogenies
1
: the evolutionary history of a kind of organism
2
: the evolution of a genetically related group of organisms as distinguished from the development of the individual organism
3
: the history or course of the development of something (such as a word or custom)

Examples of phylogeny in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Rebecca Varney, University of California, Santa Barbara Then the researchers mapped the different eye types onto the phylogeny. Quanta Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 Eyespots and shell eyes each evolved two separate times across the phylogeny — representing two separate instances of convergent evolution. Quanta Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 He was known for his contribution to the taxonomy and phylogeny of the higher fungi. Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2024 Computational phylogeny works best when there is a single word for every root meaning researchers are interested in tracing. Kurt Kleiner, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024 For example, imagine the phylogeny and population genetic characteristics of organisms which are endemic to the islands of Hawaii. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 11 Sep. 2013 The Genghis Khan haplotype exhibits a star like phylogeny. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2012 My research group is currently working with Williamson, Carnegie Museum of Natural History mammalogist John Wible and other colleagues on this Gordian knot of phylogeny. Steve Brusatte, Scientific American, 1 June 2022 Researcher José María Gómez and colleagues took a novel approach to cutting through all the noise by turning to phylogeny, which charts how a species develops and then radiates out into different species. Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 28 Sep. 2016

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phylogeny.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of phylogeny was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near phylogeny

Cite this Entry

“Phylogeny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phylogeny. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

phylogeny

noun
phy·​log·​e·​ny fī-ˈläj-ə-nē How to pronounce phylogeny (audio)
plural phylogenies
: the development of a group of related living things by evolution over a long period of time in contrast to the development of a particular individual from its first immature stage to an adult

Medical Definition

phylogeny

noun
phy·​log·​e·​ny fi-ˈläj-ə-nē How to pronounce phylogeny (audio)
plural phylogenies
1
: the evolutionary history of a kind of organism
2
: the evolution of a genetically related group of organisms as distinguished from the development of the individual organism

called also phylogenesis

compare ontogeny

More from Merriam-Webster on phylogeny

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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