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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