Cladograms

Mr. Anderson explains cladograms, which are hypotheses about the relationships between organisms based on shared characteristics. He discusses how to create a cladogram, the concept of outgroups, and the importance of common ancestors. The video also covers adding new species to a cladogram and the principle of parsimony, which suggests the simplest explanation is often the best. Modern cladograms use DNA sequencing to determine evolutionary relationships.

What is the primary purpose of a cladogram?

• To hypothesize relationships between organisms

• To show the exact evolutionary path of species

• To classify organisms based on size

• To identify the oldest species on Earth

In the context of cladograms, what is an 'outgroup'?

• A species that shares all characteristics

• A species that is extinct

• A species that lacks most shared characteristics

• A species with the most characteristics

How is the direction of time represented in a cladogram?

• From top to bottom

• From right to left

• From left to right

• From bottom to top

What does Ockham's razor suggest when constructing a cladogram?

• The most complex explanation is usually correct

• The simplest explanation is often the best

• All explanations are equally valid

• The explanation with the most evidence is correct

How has modern technology improved the creation of cladograms?

• By allowing for more complex designs

• By using physical characteristics only

• By reducing the number of species analyzed

• By using DNA sequencing

What is a common misconception about the relationship between humans and gorillas in a cladogram?

• Gorillas are more advanced than humans

• Humans and gorillas share a common ancestor

• Humans and gorillas are not related

• Humans evolved directly from gorillas

What is the significance of homologous structures in cladograms?

• They indicate a lack of common ancestry

• They show physical differences between species

• They are irrelevant to cladograms

• They suggest a shared evolutionary origin