monophyly
/ˈmɑnəˌfaɪli/
noun
- The condition of being a monophyletic group, meaning a group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all of its descendants.
- Biologists study monophyly to understand how species are related through evolution.
- The monophyly of birds is supported by evidence that they all share a common ancestor.
- To classify a group properly, scientists must confirm its monophyly.