Phylogenetic Trees

An analysis of DNA sequences can be used to classify organisms. The phylogenetic tree below is based on molecular data and represents evolutionary relationships within a group of organisms that are hypothesized to have descended from a common ancestor.

Which statement is best supported by the information in this phylogenetic tree?

• Dogs are more genetically similar to sea lions than they are to seals.

• Weasels are more genetically similar to monkeys than they are to cats.

• Raccoons are more genetically similar to dogs than they are to weasels.

• Dogs are more genetically similar to bears than they are to raccoons.

A phylogenetic tree showing some groups within the 3 domains of life.

Based on the phylogenetic tree shown above, which domain is more closely related to Archaea?

• Bacteria

• Eukarya

Which traits shown on the cladogram (ex: bony skeleton) are shared by crocodiles and birds? Check all that apply.

• Eggs with shell

• Hair

• Amniotic egg

• Four limbs

• Bony skeleton

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which group is most closely related to rodents and rabbits?

• Birds

• Crocodiles

• Primates

• Amphibians

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which traits shown on the cladogram (ex: bony skeleton) are shared by primates and birds?

• Eggs with shell

• Hair

• Amniotic egg

• Four limbs

• Bony skeleton

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which other species is the Sun Bear most closely related to?

• Spectacled Bear

• Black Bear

• Brown Bear

• Giant Panda

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

When did the most recent common ancestor of the Giant Panda and the Black Bear live

• 7 million years ago

• 11 million years ago

• 17 million years ago

• 28 million years ago

Base your answer on the image. Make a claim about which organism is most closely related to the human. Back your claim up with evidence from the table and reasoning from your key point. Be prepare to share out.

Common baboons live on the savanna in breeding groups called troops. While females tend to stay with the troop, younger or less dominant males may leave to join a neighboring troop. Which of these is a likely outcome of movement by young males?

• Gene flow occurs between populations.

• Allele frequencies suddenly change.

• Relative genotypic frequencies reach a constant state.

• Intermediate phenotypes increase in the species.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which of the following is a likely result of genetic drift in a small population?

• Increased genetic diversity

• Loss of genetic variation

• Stable allele frequencies

• Increased mutation rates