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phylogenesis

phylogenesis

9.9
The way a group of living things changes over a long time to form new species
  • noun
  • /ˌfaɪloʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : filogenia
  • By examining fossil records, researchers can trace the phylogenesis of birds from their dinosaur ancestors.

Examples

  • Phylogenesis explains how different species evolve and adapt over time in response to environmental changes.

  • Haeckel formulated the recapitulation theory, in which the ontogenesis of an individual is seen as an accelerated repetition of the phylogenesis.

    Academic text (1992)
  • For example, transhumanists intend to improve and accelerate human "phylogenesis," i.e., the evolution of the human body, by replacing what is seen as slow and contingent biological evolution.

    Academic text (2017)
  • The study of phylogenesis helps scientists understand the evolutionary relationships between various organisms.

Synonyms

evolution
vsphylogenesis
  • Specialized
377 4.4

Gradual change in living things over many generations caused by nature

is about development and diversification within a specific taxonomic group rather than general change
phylogeny
vsphylogenesis
  • Specialized
2 9.9

The history of how a group of living things changes over a long time

focuses more on branching diversification of a taxonomic group than on mere history

How Extensive

phylogenesis
  • Specialized
9.9
adaptive radiation
  • Specialized
9.3
radiation
  • Specialized
1 5.2
diversification
  • Specialized
16 6.1

Surface Forms

phylogenesis singular
phylogeneses plural

Morphology

phylogenesis = genesis (semi-transparent) = phylo + genesis

Formed from the combining form 'phylo-' (lineage/tribe) plus 'genesis' (origin); intelligible in scientific contexts but the combining form is not familiar to general B1 learners.

Etymology

The word phylogenesis comes from Greek parts phylo- meaning 'tribe' or 'group' and -genesis meaning 'origin' or 'birth', the same -genesis you see in genesis. So, phylogenesis is the origin and development of a group of related living things over time.