Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

cladistically

adverb

/kləˈdɪs.tɪ.kli/

Definition

Relating to the classification of organisms based on common ancestry and evolutionary relationships, often represented in a tree-like structure.

Examples

Biologists often define species cladistically to better understand their evolutionary lineage.
The study of fossil records has advanced cladistically, revealing new insights into ancient species.

Meaning

Cladistically refers to a method of grouping organisms that share a common ancestor and uses branching diagrams called cladograms to illustrate the evolutionary relationships.