phyletic

[ fahy-let-ik ]

adjective

, Biology.

1. of, relating to, or based on the evolutionary history of a group of organisms; phylogenetic.

phyletic

/ ˌfaɪləʊdʒɪˈnɛtɪk; faɪˈlɛtɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the evolution of a species or group of organisms

Derived Forms

• phyˈletically, adverb

Other Words From

• phy·leti·cal·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phyletic¹

1880–85; Greek phȳletikós pertaining to a tribesman, equivalent to phȳlét ( ēs ) tribesman (derivative of phȳ́lē phyle ) + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of phyletic¹

C19: from Greek phuletikos tribal

Example Sentences

Through genomic analysis, researchers have identified ancient viral codes embedded in the DNA of virtually every phyletic lineage.

From New York Times

Researchers have found striking examples of gift-giving across the phyletic landscape, in insects, spiders, mollusks, birds and mammals.

From New York Times

Venoms and repellents are hardly rare in nature: Many insects, frogs, snakes, jellyfish and other phyletic characters use them with abandon.

From New York Times

The second phyletic line gave rise to the sordida group and diverged from the prototype in the development of an angular maxillary and a breeding call consisting of a primary note followed by secondary notes.

From Project Gutenberg

The specialized vocal sac structure in Phrynohyas and Trachycephalus suggests that these two genera may be rather closely allied and represent a single phyletic line from an ancestral stock similar to Osteocephalus.

From Project Gutenberg