Cladograms Quick Check

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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 does a common ancestor represent in a cladogram?

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A common ancestor in a cladogram represents a species from which two or more descendant species evolved.

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How can you identify the most recent common ancestor of two species on a cladogram?

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The most recent common ancestor of two species is found at the branch point (node) that is closest to the two species in the cladogram.

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What is the significance of branch points in a cladogram?

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Branch points (nodes) in a cladogram indicate where a lineage split into two or more lineages, representing common ancestors.

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What does it mean if two species share a common ancestor?

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If two species share a common ancestor, it means they have evolved from the same species at some point in their evolutionary history.

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What is the difference between a descendant and an ancestor in a cladogram?

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An ancestor is a species from which another species has evolved, while a descendant is a species that has evolved from an ancestor.

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How can you determine which species is NOT a descendant in a cladogram?

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A species that is not a descendant will be located on a separate branch that does not connect to the branch of the species in question.

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What type of information can be inferred from a cladogram?

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A cladogram can provide information about evolutionary relationships, common ancestors, and the relative timing of evolutionary events.

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What is the role of characteristics in constructing a cladogram?

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Characteristics (traits) are used to determine the relationships between species; shared characteristics indicate a closer evolutionary relationship.

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What is a sister group in a cladogram?

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A sister group is a group of organisms that share an immediate common ancestor and are each other's closest relatives.