Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
monophyly
This term is a specialized technical descriptor used almost exclusively within the fields of phylogenetics and evolutionary biology. It describes a specific topological relationship in a phylogenetic tree where a single common ancestor is shared by all members of a group, and no descendants are excluded. It carries a neutral, scientific connotation, serving as the gold standard for defining a valid biological clade.
Because it describes a state or condition of a group, it is treated as an uncountable noun. It is frequently contrasted with polyphyly or paraphyly, which describe groups that do not meet the strict criteria of having a single common ancestor and all its descendants.