taxonomically

Taxonomically is an adverb used to indicate that a statement or analysis relates to taxonomy, the science of naming, describing, and classifying organisms. Taxonomic systems organize living beings into hierarchical categories such as domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Although most often used in biology, the term can apply to any structured classification scheme.

It is used to specify the perspective of classification, as in sentences that refer to the taxonomic position of a species or group. For example, one might say that a species is taxonomically placed in a particular genus, or that two forms are taxonomically distinct. The term signals that the claim follows taxonomic rules and conventions, including nomenclature standards.

Etymology and relation: taxonomically is formed from taxonomy, from Greek taxis (arrangement) and nomos (law), with the adverbial suffix -ically. The word thus denotes a taxonomic or systematic point of view. In modern biology, taxonomy and taxonomic statements are often integrated with phylogenetics and systematic biology.

See also taxonomy, systematics, cladistics, phylogeny.