A "distinct clade" refers to a group of organisms that share a common ancestor and have unique characteristics that differentiate them from other groups. Full definition
«Within human head and body lice there are distinct clades identified by their mitochondrial haplotypes; potentially a result of modern and extinct hominids exchanging lice. (sciencedaily.com)
«A striking feature of the phylogenetic tree based on S. aureus whole genome sequencing was the presence of multiple distinct clades,» said senior author Sharon Peacock from the University of Cambridge and Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. (sciencedaily.com)
These genetically distinct clades have different environmental, ecological and geographic characteristics which influence the resistance and resilience of corals to thermal stress. (reefresilience.org)