sibling species

noun

: one of two or more species that are nearly indistinguishable morphologically

Examples of sibling species in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This research suggested that T. rex should have two sibling species -- a more slender Tyrannosaurus regina (tyrant lizard queen) and the stouter and toothier Tyrannosaurus imperator (tyrant lizard emperor). Katie Hunt, CNN, 25 July 2022 The study team’s conclusion was that T. rex was not a single, unchanging dinosaur but may have had two equally terrifying sibling species. Katie Hunt, CNN, 28 Feb. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sibling species was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near sibling species

Cite this Entry

“Sibling species.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sibling%20species. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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