polytomy Definition
- 1a taxonomic classification method that involves grouping organisms with more than two branches arising from a common node
- 2a situation in which the evolutionary relationships among a group of organisms cannot be fully resolved
Using polytomy: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "polytomy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The phylogenetic tree had a polytomy at the base of the clade.
Example
The unresolved polytomy in the evolutionary history of the species led to further research.
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Summary: polytomy in Brief
Polytomy [pɑːˈlɪtəmi] is a taxonomic classification method that groups organisms with more than two branches arising from a common node. It is also used to describe a situation in which the evolutionary relationships among a group of organisms cannot be fully resolved. Examples include the phylogenetic tree with a polytomy at the base of the clade and the unresolved polytomy in the evolutionary history of the species.
