numerical taxonomy

views updated May 08 2018

numerical taxonomy The classification of organisms by purely mathematical means. It is based on quantifying observable characteristics of organisms and may be operated at various taxonomic levels to deal with species or higher taxa. It involves the grouping and computation of the similarity of characters; the results are usually displayed graphically, as a phenogram or dendrogram. There has been discussion as to whether classifications produced in this way are valid and reflect phylogeny. See TAXON; and TAXONOMY.

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY

numerical taxonomy

views updated May 29 2018

numerical taxonomy See numerical method.

A Dictionary of Ecology MICHAEL ALLABY

numerical taxonomy

views updated Jun 27 2018

numerical taxonomy See NUMERICAL METHOD.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY

numerical taxonomy

views updated May 29 2018

numerical taxonomy See NUMERICAL METHOD.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

numerical taxonomy

views updated Jun 11 2018

numerical taxonomy See taxonomy.

A Dictionary of Biology

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Numerical taxonomy

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