SB4b- Phylogenetics

Front

What is phylogenetics?

Back

Phylogenetics is the study of the evolutionary relationships among biological species based on similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics.

Front

What does a phylogenetic tree represent?

Back

A phylogenetic tree is a diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on their shared characteristics.

Front

What is a common ancestor?

Back

A common ancestor is a species from which two or more species have evolved.

Front

What are homologous structures?

Back

Homologous structures are body parts in different species that have a similar structure but may serve different functions, indicating a common ancestry.

Front

What are analogous structures?

Back

Analogous structures are body parts in different species that serve similar functions but do not share a common ancestry.

Front

What is the significance of DNA in phylogenetics?

Back

DNA analysis helps determine the genetic similarities and differences between species, providing insights into their evolutionary relationships.

Front

What is a clade?

Back

A clade is a group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all its descendants.

Front

What is the difference between monophyletic, paraphyletic, and polyphyletic groups?

Back

Monophyletic groups include a common ancestor and all its descendants; paraphyletic groups include a common ancestor and some, but not all, of its descendants; polyphyletic groups include species with different ancestors.

Front

What role do traits play in phylogenetic analysis?

Back

Traits are characteristics used to determine evolutionary relationships; shared traits indicate common ancestry.

Front

How can we determine if two species are closely related?

Back

Two species are closely related if they share a recent common ancestor, which can be determined through genetic analysis or morphological traits.