noun
- evolutionary change in a single lineage over time without branching into separate species
Usage: biology; evolutionary biology
Examples
- Anagenesis occurs when a species gradually evolves new characteristics over many generations.
- The fossil record shows evidence of anagenesis in horse evolution over millions of years.
- Unlike cladogenesis, anagenesis does not result in the splitting of species.
- Scientists study anagenesis to understand how organisms adapt to changing environments.
- The gradual increase in brain size in human ancestors is an example of anagenesis.
- Anagenesis can lead to significant morphological changes within a single evolutionary lineage.