What is a phylogenetic tree?

• A graphical summary of the evolutionary history of a group, showing branching relationships of populations as they give rise to multiple descendant populations over evolutionary time.

• A chart showing the daily activities of an organism.

• A diagram representing the food chain in an ecosystem.

• A map of the geographical distribution of a species.

According to Baum (2005), what does a phylogenetic tree depict?

• Historical relationships, not similarities.

• Genetic mutations over time.

• The physical appearance of organisms.

• The number of species in an ecosystem.

What does a phylogenetic tree describe?

• The pattern and in some cases timing of diversification events.

• The chemical composition of organisms.

• The rate of photosynthesis in plants.

• The migration patterns of animals.

Based on the diagram, what does the vertical axis labeled '# mutations (time)' represent in a phylogenetic tree?

• The number of mutations over time.

• The number of species present at each time point.

• The geographic location of each species.

• The evolutionary age of each branch.

What is a phylogeny?

• A direct observation of evolutionary patterns

• A hypothesis about evolutionary relationships inferred from data

• A random guess about species

• A type of animal

In most cases, do we have direct knowledge of pattern or timing in phylogenies, or does it have to be inferred from data?

• It has to be inferred from data.

• We always have direct knowledge.

• Pattern is always known, timing is not.

• Timing is always known, pattern is not.

Phylogenies and mapping traits on existing phylogenies are considered hypotheses.

• True

• False

Refer to the diagram showing Camel, Moose, Muntjac, Elk, Hippo, and Whale. What is inferred from DNA sequences in the phylogenetic tree?

• The evolutionary relationship among the species

• The color of the animals

• The number of legs each animal has

• The habitat of each animal

Refer to the phylogenetic tree diagrams labeled A, B, and C. Which group is most closely related to birds according to the tree?

• Mammals

• Crocodilians

• Amphibians

• Ray-finned fishes

Refer to the phylogenetic tree diagrams labeled A, B, and C. Fill in the blank: According to the tree, mammals share a more recent common ancestor with _______ than with amphibians.

• birds

• reptiles

• fish

• insects