Cladogram Practice

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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 the term 'most recent common ancestor' mean?

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The most recent common ancestor is the latest individual from which all organisms in a group are directly descended.

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What are homologous structures?

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Homologous structures are body parts in different species that have a similar structure but may serve different functions, indicating a common evolutionary origin.

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What are analogous structures?

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Analogous structures are body parts in different species that serve similar functions but do not share a common evolutionary origin.

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What is the significance of trait placement in a cladogram?

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The placement of traits in a cladogram helps to illustrate the evolutionary history and relationships between different organisms.

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How do you determine the closest relative in a cladogram?

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The closest relative is determined by the shortest branch length between two organisms on the cladogram, indicating they share a more recent common ancestor.

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What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

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Homologous structures arise from a common ancestor and may have different functions, while analogous structures arise independently and serve similar functions.

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What does the term 'vestigial structures' refer to?

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Vestigial structures are body parts that have lost their original function through evolution, such as the human appendix.

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

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You can identify the most recent common ancestor by locating the branching point (node) where two or more lineages diverge.

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What is the role of traits in evolutionary biology?

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Traits are characteristics that can be inherited and are crucial for understanding how species adapt and evolve over time.