MRCA
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Biology
| Stands for | Most recent common ancestor |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
MRCA stands for Most recent common ancestor, a biology abbreviation also used in general use.
In evolutionary biology and genealogy, the most recent individual or species from which a set of organisms all descend. Phylogenetic trees place the MRCA of any group at the node where their lineages meet.
Example: Molecular clock estimates put the MRCA of humans and chimpanzees at roughly 6-7 million years ago.
Usage notes
Statistical models suggest that the MRCA of all living humans may have lived only a few thousand years ago, far more recently than most people expect. "Mitochondrial Eve" is the MRCA of all humans through the female line, and "Y-chromosomal Adam" through the male line; they did not live at the same time.
Related abbreviations
More biology abbreviations
- LB – Lysogeny broth
- LUCA – Last universal common ancestor
- mAb – Monoclonal antibody
- MHC – Major histocompatibility complex
- MIC – Minimum inhibitory concentration
- MOI – Multiplicity of infection
- mRNA – Messenger RNA
- NAD – Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
- NADH – Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (reduced)
- NADPH – Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (reduced)
- NPP – Net primary production
- OD – Optical density