Cladistic analysis
- Pronunciation
- /klay-DIS-tik ə-NAL-uh-sis/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Cladistic analysis
- Plural
- Cladistic analyses
Definition
A method of phylogenetic analysis that uses shared derived characteristics (synapomorphies) to group organisms based on evolutionary relationships.
Etymology
From Greek 'klados' meaning 'branch', and 'analysis'.
Example
Cladistic analysis of morphological data helped to determine the evolutionary relationships between different groups of insects.
Related Terms
- Phylogenetic analysis
- Synapomorphy
- Phylogeny
Usage Notes
Cladistic analysis relies on the principle of parsimony, meaning that the simplest explanation is favored.