In science, parsimony is to prefer least complicated explanation for an observation. This is generally regarded as good when judging hypotheses. Ockham's Razor is this idea.
In systematics, maximum parsimony is a cladistic algorithm based on the principle of parsimony. Maximum parsimony can be used to reconstruct a phylogenetic tree by bulding the tree that requires the least number of evolutionary changes. Both genetic and physical characteristics can be used in building a tree through parsimony. The genetic sequence or physical appearance may also be inferred using this technique.
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.
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