1. relating to or denoting a group of organisms derived from more than one common evolutionary ancestor
Usage: biology; taxonomy

Examples

• The traditional grouping of reptiles is polyphyletic because it excludes birds and mammals.
• Scientists discovered that the classification was polyphyletic after DNA analysis revealed multiple origins.
• Polyphyletic groups are considered artificial in modern taxonomy.
• The researcher argued that this animal family is polyphyletic rather than representing a single lineage.
• Modern phylogenetic studies aim to eliminate polyphyletic classifications.
• The polyphyletic nature of the group became evident through molecular evidence.