phylogenetic classification
nounUK /ˌfaɪlədʒəˈnɛtɪk ˌklæsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
US /ˌfaɪloʊdʒəˈnɛtɪk ˌklæsəfəˈkeɪʃən/
A way of sorting living things into groups based on how closely they are related to each other.
Scientists use phylogenetic classification to group birds and crocodiles together because they share a common ancestor.
SYNONYMS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The arrangement of organisms into a branching tree that shows their evolutionary history.
The phylogenetic classification of mammals places bats and whales in the same large group.
3. A method of organizing species by shared inherited traits rather than by looks alone.
Phylogenetic classification revealed that dolphins are closer to hippos than to sharks.
4. The scientific practice of naming and ordering groups of organisms according to their ancestry.
Her research focuses on the phylogenetic classification of tropical frogs.