Phylogenetic Trees and Cladograms

Multiple Choice

Which of the following types of evidence is NOT typically used to infer phylogenies?

• Fossil evidence

• Morphological evidence

• Molecular evidence

• Astrological evidence

Open Ended

Why is understanding phylogeny important in the study of biology?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the difference between a cladogram and a phylogenetic tree?

• A cladogram is based on time and common ancestors, while a phylogenetic tree is based solely on shared characteristics.

• A cladogram is based solely on shared characteristics, while a phylogenetic tree is based on time and common ancestors.

• Both diagrams are based on genetic divergence.

• A cladogram and a phylogenetic tree show only morphological similarities.

Open Ended

Explain how morphological and molecular similarities are used to determine phylogenetic histories. What are the limitations of relying solely on morphological differences?

Multiple Select

Which of the following features are used to trace phylogeny?

• Fossil record

• Homology

• Analogy

• All of the above

Open Ended

Describe how convergent evolution leads to analogous structures, using the examples of the falcon, bat, and pterodactyl.

Multiple Select

Which of the following organisms are examples of divergent evolution from a common ancestral mammal?

• Giraffe

• Cow

• Jaguar

• Armadillo

Multiple Choice

What is the main purpose of a phylogenetic tree?

• To show the evolutionary relationships among organisms

• To classify organisms by size

• To display the habitats of organisms

• To list the diet of organisms

Multiple Choice

Based on the phylogenetic tree, which two groups are more closely related: humans and fungi, fungi and plants, or humans and plants?

• Humans and fungi

• Fungi and plants

• Humans and plants

• All are equally related

Open Ended

Explain how molecular systematics can reveal unexpected relationships among organisms. Use the example of animals, fungi, and plants.

Multiple Select

Which of the following statements about phylogenetic trees are correct?

• Each branching point represents a divergence from a common ancestor

• Phylogenetic trees show lines of descent

• All organisms on a phylogenetic tree are equally related

• Phylogenetic trees can represent evolutionary history

Open Ended

Describe the difference between primitive and derived characters in the context of classification and phylogeny.

Multiple Choice

Which term describes a group of species that includes an ancestral species and all its descendants in a phylogenetic tree?

• Clade

• Outgroup

• Ingroup

• Parsimony

Multiple Choice

Which of the following are considered shared derived traits in cladistics?

• Traits that distinguish a particular clade

• Traits present in both the outgroup and the ingroup

• Traits that define the oldest group

• Traits that result in the simplest cladogram

Open Ended

Explain the difference between a monophyletic, paraphyletic, and polyphyletic grouping as shown in the diagrams.

Multiple Choice

Based on the phylogenetic tree, which trait is shared by all species except the lancelet (outgroup)?

• Vertebrae

• Four limbs

• Amniotic egg

• Hair

Multiple Choice

Which characteristic is shared by all organisms shown except the hagfish?

• Jaws

• Lungs

• Claws or nails

• Feathers

Open Ended

Explain how the principle of parsimony guides the construction of cladograms.

Multiple Choice

Which scientist is associated with the development of binomial nomenclature?

• Aristotle

• Ray

• Linnaeus

• Darwin

Multiple Select

Select all levels of classification that are more specific than 'Order' for Panthera pardus.

• Family

• Class

• Genus

• Species

Open Ended

Reflecting on today's lesson about phylogeny and systematics, what is one question you still have or one aspect you would like to explore further?

Multiple Choice

How do phylogenetic trees help scientists understand evolutionary history?

• By showing the physical similarities between organisms

• By representing the evolutionary relationships and common ancestry of organisms

• By listing all extinct species

• By categorizing organisms based on their habitat