Phylogenetic nomenclature

The clade shown by the dashed lines in each figure is specified by the ancestor X. Using the hypothesis that the relationships are as in the left tree diagram, the clade includes X, A, B and C. Using the hypothesis that the relationships are as in the right tree diagram, the clade includes X, A and B.

Phylogenetic nomenclature (sometimes called cladistic nomenclature) is a method of nomenclature for taxa in biology that uses phylogenetic definitions for taxon names. Phylogenetic nomenclature assigns names to clades, groups consisting solely of an ancestor and all its descendants. This contrasts with the traditional method, by which taxon names are defined by a type, which can be a specimen or a taxon of lower rank, and a description in words. Phylogenetic nomenclature is regulated currently by the International Code of Phylogenetic Nomenclature (PhyloCode).

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