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paraphyletic

adjective
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para·​phyletic | \ "+ \

Definition of paraphyletic

: of, relating to, or being a taxonomic group that does not include all descendants of a common ancestor

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First Known Use of paraphyletic

1965, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for paraphyletic

para- entry 1 + phyletic

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The first known use of paraphyletic was in 1965

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Cite this Entry

“Paraphyletic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paraphyletic. Accessed 26 Jan. 2021.

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