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.
Origin of numerical taxonomy
1First recorded in 1960–65
- Also called numerical phenetics, taximetrics.
Words Nearby numerical taxonomy
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
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.
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