Polyphyly

A polyphyletic group is an assemblage that includes organisms with mixed evolutionary origin but does not include their most recent common ancestor. The term is often applied to groups that share similar features known as homoplasies, which are explained as a result of convergent evolution. It is contrasted with monophyly and paraphyly.

Although polyphyly may be convenient for grouping hybrids and some species, many taxonomists prefer to avoid homoplasies in grouping taxa, preferring their monophyletic organization.