Cladus

/ˈkleɪdəs/ noun

Definition

A branch, stem, or lineage; in biology, a group of organisms descended from a common ancestor.

Etymology

From Latin 'cladus', derived from Greek 'klados' (branch). Used in modern evolutionary biology to describe branches on the tree of life.

Kelly Says

When biologists talk about a 'clade' (a modern version of cladus), they're treating evolution like a branching tree—and every living thing sits on some branch, whether it's snakes, mushrooms, or bacteria.

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