1 anagenesis | Definition of anagenesis
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anagenesis

noun
ana·​gen·​e·​sis | \ ËŒa-nÉ™-ˈje-nÉ™-sÉ™s How to pronounce anagenesis (audio) \

Definition of anagenesis

: evolutionary change producing a single lineage in which one taxon replaces another without branching — compare cladogenesis

Examples of anagenesis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 A new tyrannosaur with evidence with evidence for anagenesis and crocodile-like facial sensory system. — Darren Naish, Scientific American Blog Network, "The Sensitive Face of a Big Predatory Dinosaur," 16 June 2017 According to Horner’s paper, this linear sort of evolution—called anagenesis—possibly could have resulted in the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex. — Michael Greshko, National Geographic, "This Is Our Best Look Yet at a Tyrannosaur’s Face," 30 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anagenesis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of anagenesis

circa 1882, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for anagenesis

New Latin

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More from Merriam-Webster on anagenesis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anagenesis

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