noun
- a method of biological classification based on overall similarity of observable characteristics rather than evolutionary relationships
Usage: biology; taxonomy
Examples
- Phenetics groups organisms based on their physical similarities.
- The researcher used phenetics to classify the newly discovered species.
- Phenetics differs from phylogenetics in that it doesn’t consider evolutionary history.
- Computer programs can assist in phenetic analysis of large datasets.
- The phenetics approach produced different groupings than traditional methods.
- Scientists debate whether phenetics or phylogenetics provides better classifications.