diphyletic
/ˌdaɪfaɪˈlɛtɪk/
adjective
- Relating to or derived from two distinct ancestral lines or groups.
- The diphyletic origin of some bird species means they evolved from two different ancestors.
- A diphyletic classification groups organisms that look similar but come from separate evolutionary branches.
- Scientists debated whether the group was monophyletic or diphyletic.