Phylogeny

Pronunciation

Origin

- + geny + -

Full definition of phylogeny

Noun

1. (systematics) The evolutionary history of groups of organisms, such as species or clades.
2. (systematics, informal) A phylogenetic diagram.
3. The historical development of a human social or racial group.Understanding the phylogeny of this musical group helps us understand its music.
4. The historical development of any thing, idea, etc.
• 2010, The Journey of Child Development (ISBN 0203856856):Indeed, in a recent review article, Mithen (2009) traces the phylogeny of human communication ...

Synonyms

• phylogenesis

Derived terms

• ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny

Related terms

• phylogenetics
• phylogenic