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synapomorphy

noun syn·ap·o·mor·phy \ (ˌ)si-ˈna-pə-ˌmȯr-fē \
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Definition of synapomorphy

plural synapomorphies
: a character or trait that is shared by two or more taxonomic groups and is derived through evolution from a common ancestral form

Origin and Etymology of synapomorphy

International Scientific Vocabulary syn- + apomorphy derived evolutionary trait or feature (from apo- + -morphy)

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