Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
phylotype
noun
/ˈfaɪloʊtaɪp/
Definition
A phylotype is a taxonomic category that is based on genetic information, specifically DNA sequences, used to classify organisms according to their evolutionary relationships.
Examples
- Researchers used phylotypes to analyze the biodiversity of microbial communities in the environment.
- By identifying the phylotype of a species, scientists can better understand its evolutionary history.
- The study of phylotypes has become increasingly important in microbial ecology.
Meaning
Phylotypes help scientists categorize living organisms based on their phylogenetic relationships derived from genetic data.
Synonyms
- Taxonomic type
- Phylogenetic type
