noun
- the condition of a taxonomic group consisting of a common ancestor and all its descendants
Usage: biology; taxonomy
Examples
- The monophyly of birds is supported by extensive fossil evidence.
- Researchers used DNA analysis to test the monophyly of the primate family.
- The study confirmed the monophyly of flowering plants.
- Monophyly is a key concept in modern phylogenetic classification.
- Scientists debate whether certain insect groups exhibit true monophyly.
- The monophyly of mammals is well-established through morphological studies.