Maximum Parsimony

Pronunciation
/maks-ih-muhm par-si-moh-nee/
Category
Phylogenetic Methods
Singular
Maximum Parsimony
Plural
Maximum Parsimony

Definition

A phylogenetic method that seeks to find the simplest explanation for the evolutionary relationships between taxa, based on the principle of Occam's razor.

Etymology

From Latin 'maximum' meaning 'greatest' or 'largest', and 'parsimonia' meaning 'frugality' or 'thrift'.

Example

Maximum parsimony is used to determine the most likely evolutionary relationships between groups of organisms based on their shared traits.

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