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.

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What do the branches of a phylogenetic tree represent?

Back

The evolutionary pathways and relationships between different species or groups.

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What is a common ancestor?

Back

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

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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 monophyletic group?

Back

A group consisting of a single common ancestor and all its descendants.

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What is a clade?

Back

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

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

Back

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

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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.

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What does it mean if two species are closely related on a phylogenetic tree?

Back

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

Front

What is a taxon?

Back

A taxonomic group of any rank, such as species, family, or class.