Cladograms

Front

What is a cladogram?

Back

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.

Front

What does a common ancestor mean?

Back

A common ancestor refers to a species from which two or more different species have evolved.

Front

How can you determine which species are most closely related on a cladogram?

Back

The species that share the most recent common ancestor on a cladogram are considered the most closely related.

Front

What evidence suggests that kangaroos and opossums share a common ancestor?

Back

Both kangaroos and opossums carry their immature offspring in pouches, indicating a shared evolutionary trait.

Front

What are analogous structures?

Back

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

Front

What are homologous structures?

Back

Homologous structures are body parts in different species that share a common ancestry, even if their functions differ.

Front

What is the significance of branching points in a cladogram?

Back

Branching points, or nodes, represent the common ancestors from which descendant species diverged.

Front

How do you read a cladogram?

Back

To read a cladogram, follow the branches from the base to the tips, noting the relationships and common ancestors of the species.

Front

What does it mean if two species are on the same branch of a cladogram?

Back

If two species are on the same branch, it means they share a more recent common ancestor compared to species on different branches.

Front

Can humans and tuna be related according to cladistics?

Back

Yes, humans and tuna can be related according to cladistics, as all living organisms share a common ancestor at some point in evolutionary history.