Plesiomorphy vs. Apomorphy: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 7, 2023
Plesiomorphy refers to an ancestral trait shared by multiple species, whereas apomorphy signifies a derived, newer characteristic unique to a particular lineage.
Key Differences
Plesiomorphy and apomorphy are terms used in cladistics to describe characteristics in species. A plesiomorphy is an ancient characteristic that is present in an ancestral form, which can be seen in various descendants. It is a trait that has been inherited without much change from a common ancestor.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Apomorphy, in contrast, is a newer, derived trait that has arisen in a species and is not present in the ancestor. This term is used to describe a feature that distinguishes a certain group of organisms from others. Apomorphies are considered evolutionary innovations.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
While discussing plesiomorphy, we look into the past to identify traits that have been passed down through evolutionary time. These traits are not useful for determining a specific evolutionary relationship because they are shared across different groups.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Apomorphy, on the other hand, is a trait that can be used to define a specific evolutionary relationship. It is these derived characteristics that taxonomists use to identify how closely related certain species are within a group.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Plesiomorphy connects different organisms by their shared, ancestral states, indicating a more distant common ancestry. Apomorphy provides a way to recognize and classify the evolutionary paths that have led to the emergence of new traits in a lineage.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An ancestral trait shared by many species
A derived trait unique to a specific group
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Nov 07, 2023
Evolutionary Age
Ancient, unchanged from an ancestor
Newer, evolved after diverging from an ancestor
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Nov 07, 2023
Taxonomic Use
Less useful for defining relationships
Useful for defining specific relationships
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Nov 07, 2023
Indicative Of
General common ancestry
Specific lineages or evolutionary change
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Nov 07, 2023
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Plesiomorphy and Apomorphy Definitions
Plesiomorphy
An ancestral trait found in multiple descendants.
The presence of gills in fish and embryos of terrestrial vertebrates is considered a plesiomorphy.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Apomorphy
A recent evolutionary trait distinguishing a lineage.
The elongated neck of a giraffe is an apomorphy distinguishing them from other ungulates.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
Plesiomorphy
A trait inherited from a distant common ancestor.
The pentadactyl limb structure is a plesiomorphy among many tetrapods.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Apomorphy
A new trait not found in a group's immediate ancestor.
The development of a four-chambered heart is an apomorphy in mammals.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
Plesiomorphy
A primitive feature retained over evolutionary time.
Bilateral symmetry is a plesiomorphy seen across numerous animal phyla.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
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Apomorphy
A derived characteristic that evolved within a specific group.
Feathers are an apomorphy unique to birds among vertebrates.
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Nov 07, 2023
Plesiomorphy
An old characteristic present in both ancestors and modern species.
The backbone is a plesiomorphy shared by all vertebrates.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Apomorphy
An innovative feature arising in a particular clade.
The loss of limbs in snakes is an apomorphy that separates them from other reptiles.
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Nov 07, 2023
Plesiomorphy
A shared ancestral trait that is not newly evolved.
Flowering plants exhibit several plesiomorphies from their gymnosperm ancestors.
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Nov 07, 2023
Apomorphy
A unique characteristic used to define a clade.
The presence of a marsupial pouch is an apomorphy defining marsupials.
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Nov 07, 2023
Plesiomorphy
An evolved character or trait that is shared by some or all members of a phylogenetic group and their common ancestor but is not unique to that group. A segmented spinal column is a plesiomorphy of mammals, being present as well in other groups such as fishes, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
Sumera Saeed
Feb 07, 2023
Apomorphy
An evolved character or trait unique to a particular phylogenetic group of organisms. The vertebral column is an apomorphy of vertebrates.
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Feb 07, 2023
Plesiomorphy
(cladistics) A character state that is present in both outgroups and in the ancestors
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Feb 07, 2023
Apomorphy
(systematics) A derived characteristic of a clade. Any feature novel to a species and its descendants.
Sumera Saeed
Feb 07, 2023
FAQs
Can a plesiomorphy become an apomorphy?
No, plesiomorphy always refers to ancestral traits, while apomorphy refers to derived traits.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
What is a plesiomorphy?
A plesiomorphy is an ancestral trait shared by multiple species.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Are plesiomorphies useful for building phylogenetic trees?
They are less useful because they do not indicate specific evolutionary branches.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
What is an example of an apomorphy?
The presence of feathers in birds is an apomorphy.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Why are apomorphies important in cladistics?
Apomorphies help to determine evolutionary relationships and define clades.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
What is an example of a plesiomorphy?
The vertebral column in mammals is a plesiomorphy.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
Is a plesiomorphy shared by all members of a clade?
Yes, it is shared by all members that descend from a common ancestor.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
What's a synapomorphy?
A synapomorphy is a shared apomorphy that defines a clade.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
What does apomorphy mean?
An apomorphy is a derived trait that is unique to a particular lineage.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Can one organism have both plesiomorphies and apomorphies?
Yes, organisms can have a mix of ancestral and derived traits.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
Is a trait's age relevant to whether it's a plesiomorphy or apomorphy?
Yes, plesiomorphies are older traits, while apomorphies are newer, derived traits.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Do apomorphies evolve from plesiomorphies?
Apomorphies may evolve from plesiomorphies or from previous apomorphies.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
Can plesiomorphies be lost over time?
Yes, through evolutionary processes, ancestral traits can be lost.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Is it possible for a plesiomorphy to become more complex over time?
Yes, plesiomorphies can become more complex, potentially giving rise to apomorphies.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
Why is distinguishing between plesiomorphy and apomorphy important?
It's important for understanding the evolutionary history and relationships among species.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
How do scientists identify an apomorphy?
By finding traits that have evolved in a lineage after it has branched off from its ancestors.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Can the same trait be a plesiomorphy in one context and an apomorphy in another?
Yes, depending on the reference group, a trait can be seen as a plesiomorphy or apomorphy.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
How do scientists identify a plesiomorphy?
By comparing species and identifying common traits that existed in their ancestors.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
Are plesiomorphies considered evolutionary advancements?
No, they are considered ancestral and not advancements.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Does an apomorphy appear in all descendants of a clade?
An apomorphy appears only in the members of a clade where it originally evolved.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
