phenetics

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /fəˈnɛtɪks/

KK: /fəˈnɛtɪks/

noun

Definition

A system of classifying organisms based on their observable characteristics and similarities, rather than their evolutionary relationships.

Example

Phenetics is used to group species based on physical traits rather than genetic information.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about phenetics in biology?

Yeah, it's that method of classifying organisms based on their physical traits, right?

Exactly! I find it fascinating how it groups species together.

Me too! It really highlights the diversity of life on our planet.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

taxonomy

classification

systematics

Antonyms

genetics

phylogeny

evolution

Root Explanation

Phenetics is formed from "phen" (from Greek "phainesthai", meaning to appear or to show) and "-etics" (from Greek "-etika", meaning relating to or pertaining to). The word refers to the classification of organisms based on observable characteristics, emphasizing their appearance.

Memory Tip

Think of 'appearance' ('phen') and how 'etics' relates to a field of study — phenetics is all about studying how organisms appear.

Visually Confused Words

phrenetic

phonetics

phrenics

phonetic