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anagenesis

anagenesis

9.9
Change in a species over time without splitting into new species
  • noun
  • /ˌænəˈdʒɛnɪsɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : anagénesis
  • An example of anagenesis can be seen in the evolution of the horse, where gradual changes occurred within the same lineage over millions of years.

Examples

  • Also, it is entirely possible in principle that most evolutionary change occurs within a single lineage (anagenesis) rather than via branching (cladogenesis).

    Blog text (8)
  • Note that language richness is generally the product of language-splitting events (cladogenesis), whereas phylogenetic diversity and disparity are produced by both anagenesis (change within lineages) and cladogenesis (figure 3).

    Academic text (2013)
  • I fail to see where biological transmutation is any more far-fetched than panspermia, punctuated equilibrium (cladogenesis), or phyletic gradualism (anagenesis), etc.

    Blog text (12)
  • The concept of anagenesis explains how certain species can evolve significant traits without splitting into distinct species.

  • Researchers are studying anagenesis to understand how species can adapt over time through changes within a single lineage, rather than through new species formation.

Synonyms

microevolution
vsanagenesis
  • Specialized
1 7.7

Small changes in the genes of a species over a short time

refers to gradual lineage change without splitting into new species

Surface Forms

anagenesis singular
anageneses plural

Morphology

anagenesis = genesis (semi-transparent) = ana + genesis

The composition 'ana-' + 'genesis' is visible, but the specialized biological sense ('evolution within a lineage') is technical and not fully derivable by average learners.

Etymology

Anagenesis comes from Greek parts ana- meaning 'again' and -genesis meaning 'origin' or 'birth', the same root in genesis and generate. So, anagenesis is when a single species slowly 'gives birth' to a new form over time without splitting into a separate species.