autapomorphic, a. Taxon.
Brit. /ˌɔːtəpəˈmɔːfɪk/, U.S. /ˌɔdəapəˈmɔrfɪk/, /ˌɑdəpəˈmɔrfɪk/
[‹ auto- comb. form1 + apomorphic adj., after autapomorphy n. Compare earlier autapomorphous adj.]
Designating or relating to a novel characteristic that has evolved in only one species or lineage within a taxon.
| 1976 Systematic Zool. 25 349/1 Adaptive features include reduction and loss of the hind limbs;..these characters however are not autapomorphic since they are to be seen in other aquatic mammals. 1997F. S. Szalay in R. L. Ciochom & J. G. Fleagle Primate Evol. xii. 92 These differences between platyrrhine and Tarsius bullae indicate that the central location of the carotid foramen and vertical orientation of the promontory canal of Tarsius are autapomorphic. 2004 Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. No. 285. 219 The evolution of large body size occurred multiple times in fossil horses and exemplifies autapomorphic giantism. |