PHYLOGENETIC TREES

Front

What is a phylogenetic tree?

Back

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

Front

What does a common ancestor represent in a phylogenetic tree?

Back

A common ancestor is a species from which two or more species have evolved, depicted as a branching point in the tree.

Front

What are the three domains of life?

Back

Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Front

How can you determine the closest relative of a species using a phylogenetic tree?

Back

By identifying the species that shares the most recent common ancestor with the species in question.

Front

What is the significance of branch length in a phylogenetic tree?

Back

Branch length can represent the amount of genetic change or time since divergence between species.

Front

What is a monophyletic group?

Back

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

Front

What is a paraphyletic group?

Back

A group that includes an ancestor but not all of its descendants.

Front

What is a polyphyletic group?

Back

A group that does not include the most recent common ancestor of its members.

Front

How do scientists use molecular data in constructing phylogenetic trees?

Back

Molecular data, such as DNA sequences, are analyzed to determine genetic similarities and differences, which help infer evolutionary relationships.

Front

What is the role of outgroups in phylogenetic analysis?

Back

Outgroups are species that are closely related to the group being studied but are not part of it, used to provide a reference point for determining evolutionary relationships.