paraphyletic

/ˌpærəfɑɪˈlɛtɪk/ /ˌpærəfɪˈlɛtɪk/

Meanings

adjective

Of a defined group of taxa, not including all descendants of the most recent common ancestor of all members.

Examples :

"The group of students studying history is paraphyletic, as it excludes all the students who are studying related subjects like political science. "

Related Words

students noun

/ˈstjuːdn̩ts/ /ˈstudn̩ts/

A person who studies or learns about a particular subject.

"He is a student of life."

including verb

/ɪnˈkluːdɪŋ/

To bring into a group, class, set, or total as a (new) part or member.

"I will purchase the vacation package if you will include car rental."

history noun

/ˈhɪst(ə)ɹi/

The aggregate of past events.

"History repeats itself if we don’t learn from its mistakes."

excludes verb

/ɪkˈskludz/ /ɛkˈskludz/

To bar (someone) from entering; to keep out.

"The dress code at the restaurant excludes jeans and sneakers. "

studying verb

/ˈstʌdiːɪŋ/

(usually academic) To review materials already learned in order to make sure one does not forget them, usually in preparation for an examination.

"I need to study my biology notes."

subjects noun

/ˈsʌb.dʒɛkts/ /səbˈdʒɛkt/

(grammar) In a clause: the word or word group (usually a noun phrase) that is dealt with. In active clauses with verbs denoting an action, the subject and the actor are usually the same.

"In the sentence ‘The mouse is eaten by the cat in the kitchen.’, ‘The mouse’ is the subject, ‘the cat’ being the agent."

members noun

/ˈmɛmbəz/ /ˈmɛmbɚz/

One who officially belongs to a group.

"All members of the book club must attend the monthly meeting. "

ancestor noun

/ˈæn.sɛs.tə/ /ˈæn.sɛs.tɚ/

One from whom a person is descended, whether on the father's or mother's side, at any distance of time; a progenitor; a forefather.

"My great-grandmother was a talented musician, and I consider her an ancestor. "

descendants noun

/dɪˈsɛndənts/

One who is the progeny of a specified person, at any distance of time or through any number of generations.

"The patriarch survived many descendants: five children, a dozen grandchildren, even a great grandchild."

defined verb

/dɪˈfʌɪnd/ /dɪˈfaɪnd/

To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.

"the defining power of an optical instrument"

related verb

/ɹɪˈleɪtɪd/

To tell in a descriptive way.

"Please relate the circumstances of your journey here today."

political noun

/pəˈlɪtɪkəl/

A political agent or officer.

"The school's political represented the students' concerns to the principal. "