Parsimony
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In science, parsimony is to prefer least complicated explanation for an observation. This is generally regarded as good when judging hypotheses. Ockham's Razor also states this idea.
In systematics, maximum parsimony is a cladistic optimality criterion based on the principle of parsimony. Under maximum parsimony, the preferred phylogenetic tree is the tree that requires the least number of evolutionary changes.
In biogeography, parsimony is used to infer ancient migrations of species or populations by observing the geographic distribution and relationships of existing organisms. Given the phylogenetic tree, ancestral migrations are inferred to be those that require the minimum amount of total movement.
See also
External link
- Essay about parsimony in philosophy and science (http://samvak.tripod.com/parsimony.html)