phylogenetic trees

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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 their physical and genetic characteristics.

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What do the branches in a phylogenetic tree represent?

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The branches represent the evolutionary pathways and relationships between different species.

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What is a common ancestor in the context of phylogenetic trees?

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

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What are derived characteristics?

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Traits that are present in an organism but were absent in the last common ancestor of the group being considered.

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How can you determine which species are more closely related on a phylogenetic tree?

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Species that share a more recent common ancestor are more closely related than those that share a more distant common ancestor.

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What is the significance of nodes in a phylogenetic tree?

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Nodes represent the points of divergence where a common ancestor splits into two or more descendant species.

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What does it mean if two species are on different branches of a phylogenetic tree?

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It indicates that they have evolved from different common ancestors and are less closely related.

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What is the role of genetic data in constructing phylogenetic trees?

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Genetic data helps to determine the evolutionary relationships by comparing DNA sequences among different species.

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What is the difference between homologous and analogous traits?

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Homologous traits are inherited from a common ancestor, while analogous traits arise independently due to similar environmental pressures.

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What is a clade in a phylogenetic tree?

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