BIO 4.3 Phylogenetic Tree/Cladograms

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What is a phylogenetic tree?

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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 is a cladogram?

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A type of phylogenetic tree that shows the relationships among species based on shared characteristics and branching patterns.

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What does 'most closely related' mean in a phylogenetic context?

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It refers to species that share a more recent common ancestor compared to other species in the tree.

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What is natural selection?

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The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

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What are advantageous traits?

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Traits that increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in a given environment.

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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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What is the significance of shared characteristics in phylogenetics?

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Shared characteristics indicate a common ancestry and help in determining evolutionary relationships.

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What is the role of genetic mutations in evolution?

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Genetic mutations introduce new traits in a population, which can be subject to natural selection.

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What is a niche in ecology?

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The role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other organisms.

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What is the difference between dominant and recessive alleles?

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Dominant alleles express their traits even if only one copy is present, while recessive alleles require two copies to express their traits.