What is a derived character?

A derived character, also known as a apomorphic character or a derived trait, is a characteristic that is evolved in a particular species or group of organisms but is not found in their common ancestor. These traits are unique to a specific lineage and have been derived through the process of evolution.

Derived characters can be used in phylogenetic analysis to determine the evolutionary relationships between different species. By examining the presence or absence of derived characters in different organisms, scientists can construct phylogenetic trees that show the patterns of evolutionary history and the relationships between species.

Derived characters can take many forms, including physical traits such as skeletal features, behaviors, biochemical characteristics, or genetic sequences. These traits provide important information about the evolutionary history of a species and can help researchers understand how different groups of organisms are related to each other.

Overall, derived characters are important tools in studying evolutionary biology and can provide valuable insights into the processes that have shaped the diversity of life on Earth.