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A.Word.A.Day--phyletic

phyletic (fi-LET-ik) adjective

Of or relating to the evolutionary descent and development of a species or group of organisms; phylogenetic.

[From Greek phuletikos, of or for a tribesman, from phuletes, tribesman, from phule, tribe.]

"`Nothing,' (Ernst) Mayr concluded, `demonstrates the improbability of the origin of high intelligence better than the millions of phyletic lineages that failed to achieve it.'" Ron Seely, OK, Planets Discovered; What's Next?, Wisconsin State Journal, 25 Feb 1996.

This week's theme: words about relations.

X-Bonus