# phylogenetic

CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/phylogenetic
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

relating to the evolutionary history and relationships between different species. Scientists use this to understand how living things are connected through their shared ancestors.

For teachers: relating to the evolutionary development and classification of species based on their common ancestry. Often used in biological contexts to describe the branching patterns of a family tree.

## Examples

- The researchers studied the phylogenetic relationships between the two birds.
- By comparing the DNA of various species, scientists can map out the phylogenetic tree to see how they evolved over millions of years.
- The discovery of the fossil provided critical evidence for the phylogenetic link between marine reptiles and the first land-dwelling mammals.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.