evolutionary classification
nounUK /ˌiːvəˈluːʃənəri ˌklæsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
US /ˌevəˈluːʃəneri ˌklæsəfəˈkeɪʃən/
A way of sorting living things into groups by how they are related through evolution.
Scientists use evolutionary classification to group birds and dinosaurs together.
SYNONYMS
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The arrangement of organisms into a family tree based on shared ancestry.
The evolutionary classification of mammals places whales near hippos.
3. A method of grouping species by their evolutionary history rather than just by looks.
Evolutionary classification showed that the panda is really a bear.
4. The scientific practice of naming and ordering life according to descent.
Modern evolutionary classification replaced older systems based only on shape.