numerical taxonomy

noun

classification of organisms by a comparison of large numbers of observable characteristics that are given equal value instead of being weighted according to possible evolutionary significance.

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Also called numerical phenetics, taximetrics.

Origin of numerical taxonomy

First recorded in 1960–65

Words nearby numerical taxonomy

numerical, numerical analysis, numerical aperture, numerical control, numerical identity, numerical taxonomy, numerical weather prediction, numero uno, numerology, numerous, numic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Scientific definitions for numerical taxonomy

numerical taxonomy
[ nōō-mĕr′ĭ-kəl ]

A method of taxonomy in which classification is made on the basis of a multivariate analysis of observable differences and similarities between taxonomic groups. Classifications based on numerical taxonomy reflect degrees of similarity rather than evolutionary relationships.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.