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cladogenesis

Advanced (C1/C2)

IPA: /klædəˈdʒɛnɪsɪs/

KK: /klædəˈdʒɛnɪsɪs/

noun
Definition

The process of evolutionary change where new species branch off from a common ancestor, leading to diversification in life forms.


Example

Cladogenesis is an important concept in understanding how species evolve and diversify over time.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of the term cladogenesis?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it has to do with how species evolve over time, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's fascinating how new species branch off from common ancestors through cladogenesis.
Sloth B
I know, it's amazing to think about how life diversifies like that!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
divergence
branching
radiation
Antonyms
convergence
stasis
uniformity
Root Explanation

Cladogenesis → It is formed from "clado-" (from Greek "klados", meaning branch) and "genesis" (from Greek "genesis", meaning origin or creation). The word refers to the process of evolution that results in the branching of lineages, creating new species from a common ancestor.

Memory Tip

Think of 'branches' ('clado-') growing from a 'source' ('genesis') — that's how cladogenesis describes the creation of new species from a common ancestor.

Visually Confused Words
cardiogenesis
cacogenesis
paedogenesis
cyanogenesis
androgenesis
adenogenesis
palaeogenesis
blastogenesis
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