phylogenetic
adjective
phy·lo·ge·net·ic
ˌfī-lō-jə-ˈne-tik 
1
: of or relating to phylogeny
2
: based on natural evolutionary relationships
3
: acquired in the course of phylogenetic development : racial
Examples of phylogenetic in a Sentence
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The team used phylogenetic analyses —a process similar to determining in humans a parent-daughter or sister-sister relationship on a genetic level — to determine the relationships among the different plants, Liu said.
—
Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 31 July 2025
The researchers performed a morphological examination, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), DNA barcoding and a phylogenetic analysis, where its genome was compared to other similar species to determine their evolutionary relationship.
—Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 28 July 2025
The researchers used the fossil record and phylogenetic trees — timelines of species emergence that are based largely on modern traits — to infer when colorful signals may have first emerged in plants and animals.
—Molly Herring, Quanta Magazine, 27 June 2025
Amber entombment preserved fine anatomical details — crucial for identifying convergent skull traits — yet also constrains phylogenetic resolution, since only cranial material is available.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
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Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 31 July 2025
The researchers performed a morphological examination, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), DNA barcoding and a phylogenetic analysis, where its genome was compared to other similar species to determine their evolutionary relationship.
—Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 28 July 2025
The researchers used the fossil record and phylogenetic trees — timelines of species emergence that are based largely on modern traits — to infer when colorful signals may have first emerged in plants and animals.
—Molly Herring, Quanta Magazine, 27 June 2025
Amber entombment preserved fine anatomical details — crucial for identifying convergent skull traits — yet also constrains phylogenetic resolution, since only cranial material is available.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for phylogenetic
Cite this Entry
“Phylogenetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phylogenetic. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
phylogenetic
adjective
phy·lo·ge·net·ic
ˌfī-lō-jə-ˈnet-ik
1
: of or relating to phylogeny
2
: based on natural evolutionary relationships
3
: acquired in the course of phylogenetic development
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