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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Nearby words
numerical, numerical analysis, numerical aperture, numerical control, numerical identity, numerical taxonomy, numerical weather prediction, numerically, numero uno, numerology, numerosity
Origin of numerical taxonomy
First recorded in 1960–65
Also called numerical phenetics, taximetrics.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Science 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.