Cladograms

Front

What is a cladogram?

Back

A cladogram is a diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among a group of organisms based on shared characteristics.

Front

According to a cladogram, which organisms are most closely related?

Back

Organisms that share a more recent common ancestor are considered most closely related.

Front

What type of characteristics are used to construct cladograms?

Back

Cladograms are constructed by grouping organisms together based on their shared characteristics.

Front

What is taxonomy?

Back

Taxonomy is the science of classification of organisms into groups based on shared characteristics.

Front

What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Back

Homologous structures are similar due to shared ancestry, while analogous structures are similar due to convergent evolution, not shared ancestry.

Front

Give an example of a homologous structure.

Back

An example of a homologous structure is the forelimb of humans and the wing of a bat.

Front

Give an example of an analogous structure.

Back

An example of an analogous structure is the wings of butterflies and birds.

Front

What does it mean if two species are described as having a common ancestor?

Back

It means that they share a lineage from which they both descended.

Front

What is the significance of shared characteristics in cladistics?

Back

Shared characteristics help in determining evolutionary relationships and constructing cladograms.

Front

What is the purpose of a cladogram?

Back

The purpose of a cladogram is to illustrate the evolutionary pathways and relationships among different species.