Phylogenetic Tree/Cladograms

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What is a phylogenetic tree?

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A diagram that represents the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics.

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What is a cladogram?

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A type of phylogenetic tree that shows the relationships between organisms based on shared characteristics and branching patterns.

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What are homologous structures?

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Anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry but may serve different functions.

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What are analogous structures?

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Features in different species that perform similar functions but do not share a common ancestry.

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What are vestigial structures?

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Body parts that have lost their original function through evolution, such as the human appendix.

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What does 'common ancestor' mean?

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A species from which two or more different species have evolved.

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What is natural selection?

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The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

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What is a node in a phylogenetic tree?

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A point where a branch splits, representing a common ancestor of the descendant species.

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What is a clade?

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

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How do scientists determine evolutionary relationships?

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By comparing physical traits, genetic information, and fossil records of different species.