Schools of Systematics

Name of School
EVOLUTIONARY SYSTEMATICS
PHENETICS
CLADISTICS
Proponent(s)

Mayr, Simpson
Sokal, Sneath
Hennig
Characters used to determine relationships
All shared characters
All shared characters
Synapomorphy
Numerical
No

Yes

Yes
Degree of difference important?

Yes

Yes

No
Taxonomic application reflect phylogeny?
Not necessarily
Not necessarily

Yes

(Modified from D.G. Buth)