polyphyletic

The definition of polyphyletic is a group of organisms that are classified into the same group but came from different ancestors.

(adjective)

An example of polyphyletic is grouping warm-blooded animals together.

See polyphyletic in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

Biol. derived from more than one ancestral type

Origin: poly- + phyletic

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See polyphyletic in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Relating to or characterized by development from more than one ancestral type.

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