10.2 Phylogenetic Trees

Front

What are the three domains of life?

Back

Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Front

What is a phylogenetic tree?

Back

A diagram that represents the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on their shared characteristics.

Front

What do branching points in a phylogenetic tree represent?

Back

Common ancestors of the organisms.

Front

Which two domains of life are most closely related?

Back

Archaea and Eukarya.

Front

What is a derived trait?

Back

A trait that is present in an organism but was absent in the last common ancestor of the group being considered.

Front

How do you determine which organisms share the most derived traits in a phylogenetic tree?

Back

By looking at the branch points and the proximity of the organisms on the tree.

Front

What is the significance of branch points in a phylogenetic tree?

Back

They indicate the points at which lineages diverged from a common ancestor.

Front

Who is the closest relative to the brown bear?

Back

Sun bear.

Front

What is phylogeny?

Back

The study of the evolutionary history and relationships among individuals or groups of organisms.

Front

What is the purpose of constructing a phylogenetic tree?

Back

To visualize and understand the evolutionary relationships and lineage of different species.