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Autapomorphy vs. Apomorphy — What's the Difference?

Autapomorphy vs. Apomorphy — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Autapomorphy and Apomorphy

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Autapomorphy

In phylogenetics, an autapomorphy is a distinctive feature, known as a derived trait, that is unique to a given taxon. That is, it is found only in one taxon, but not found in any others or outgroup taxa, not even those most closely related to the focal taxon (which may be a species, family or in general any clade).

Apomorphy

An apomorphous character.

Autapomorphy

An autapomorphic character.

Apomorphy

An evolved character or trait unique to a particular phylogenetic group of organisms. The vertebral column is an apomorphy of vertebrates.

Autapomorphy

An evolved character or trait that is unique to a single species or group within a larger phylogenetic group. Speech is an autapomorphy of humans among primates.
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Apomorphy

(systematics) A derived characteristic of a clade. Any feature novel to a species and its descendants.

Autapomorphy

(cladistics) A derived trait that is unique to a particular taxon

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