Cladograms Flashcard

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What is a cladogram?

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A cladogram is a diagram that shows 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 common ancestor in evolutionary biology?

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

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What trait distinguishes mammals from reptiles?

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Mammals have hair or fur and produce milk for their young, while reptiles have scales and do not produce milk.

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What are vascular tissues?

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Vascular tissues are specialized tissues in plants that conduct water, nutrients, and food throughout the plant.

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What is the significance of traits in cladograms?

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Traits are characteristics used to determine evolutionary relationships; they help identify how closely related different species are.

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What does it mean for a species to be 'derived'?

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A derived species is one that has evolved from a common ancestor and has specific traits that distinguish it from its ancestors.

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What is the difference between homologous and analogous traits?

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

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What role do fossils play in understanding cladograms?

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Fossils provide evidence of past life forms and their characteristics, helping scientists determine evolutionary relationships.

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What is the importance of genetic data in constructing cladograms?

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Genetic data allows scientists to compare DNA sequences, providing a more accurate picture of evolutionary relationships.

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What is a node in a cladogram?

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A node represents a common ancestor in a cladogram, indicating where a lineage diverges into two or more species.