homophyly
/ˈhoʊməˌfaɪli/
noun
- The condition of sharing a common origin or similarity in structure or function; the state of being in a homophyly.
- The homophyly of these fossils suggests they evolved from a common ancestor.
- The concept of homophyly helps scientists organize living things into natural groups.
- Linguists sometimes use homophyly to describe language families with shared roots.