What is a derived trait?

A derived trait is a characteristic that has evolved over time and is specific to a particular group of organisms. These traits are the result of genetic changes that occur over many generations, and they are used to differentiate between different species or groups of organisms. For example, the presence of wings is a derived trait that distinguishes birds from mammals. Another example is the presence of fins in fish. Derived traits are important for understanding the evolutionary history of living organisms and for classifying them in a scientific system. Furthermore, derived traits can provide important information about organisms' lifestyles, habitats, and behaviors.