Phylogenetic Tree/Cladograms

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What is a phylogenetic tree?

Back

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?

Back

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

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What are derived characteristics?

Back

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

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What is a common ancestor?

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An ancestral species from which two or more species have evolved.

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Which group of animals are most closely related to birds according to phylogenetic trees?

Back

Saurischian dinosaurs.

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How are sharks related to ray-finned fish?

Back

According to cladograms, sharks are more closely related to ray-finned fish than to amphibians or primates.

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What does it mean for two species to be closely related?

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It means they share a more recent common ancestor compared to other species.

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What is the significance of a node in a phylogenetic tree?

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A node represents a common ancestor from which descendant species diverged.

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What is the difference between Saurischian and Ornithischian dinosaurs?

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Saurischian dinosaurs are more closely related to birds, while Ornithischian dinosaurs are a separate lineage.

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What is the purpose of constructing a phylogenetic tree?

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To visualize and understand the evolutionary relationships and history of different species.