1. of or relating to a phylum or the evolutionary development of a phylum
Usage: biology; formal
2. of or relating to the evolutionary history or lineage of an organism or group
Usage: biology; formal

Examples

• The phyletic relationships between different animal groups are studied through comparative anatomy.
• Scientists use phyletic analysis to trace the evolutionary origins of modern species.
• The phyletic tree shows how organisms diverged from common ancestors over millions of years.
• Phyletic classification helps biologists understand the connections between distant species.
• The fossil record provides evidence for phyletic change within lineages.