clade Term derived from the Greek klados, a ‘twig’ or ‘branch’. In cladistics, or phylogenetic systematics, it refers to a lineage branch that results from splitting in an earlier lineage. A split produces two distinct new taxa, each of which is represented as a clade, or branch, in a phylogenetic diagram.

clade A term derived from the Greek klados, meaning a twig or branch. In cladistics, or phylogenetic systematics, it refers to a lineage branch that results from splitting in an earlier lineage. A split produces two distinct new taxa, each of which is represented as a clade or branch in a phylogenetic diagram.

clade In cladistics, a lineage branch that results from a dichotomous splitting in an earlier lineage. A split produces two distinct new taxa, each of which is represented as a branch in a phylogenetic diagram. The term is derived from the Greek klados, meaning ‘twig’ or ‘branch’.

clade In cladistics, a lineage branch that results from splitting in an earlier lineage. A split produces in theory two distinct new taxa, each of which is represented as a branch in a phylogenetic diagram. The term is derived from the Greek klados, ‘twigs’ or ‘branch’.

clade / klād/ • n. Biol. a group of organisms believed to have evolved from a common ancestor, according to the principles of cladistics.