Phylogenetic Trees

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What is a phylogenetic tree?

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A diagram that represents evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics.

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What does a common ancestor represent in a phylogenetic tree?

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A common ancestor is a species from which two or more species have evolved, depicted at the base of the branches in a phylogenetic tree.

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What is adaptation in the context of evolution?

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An inheritable characteristic that gives a survival advantage to an organism, allowing it to better survive and reproduce in its environment.

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What is the significance of derived characters in phylogenetic trees?

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Derived characters are traits that are present in an organism but absent in the last common ancestor of the group being considered, helping to define evolutionary relationships.

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How can you determine the closest relative of a species on a phylogenetic tree?

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The closest relative is found by looking for the species that share the most recent common ancestor on the tree.

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What is the role of speciation in evolution?

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Speciation is the process by which new and distinct species evolve from a common ancestor, often due to environmental changes or genetic divergence.

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What does it mean if two species are more closely related on a phylogenetic tree?

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It means they share a more recent common ancestor compared to other species on the tree.

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What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

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Homologous structures are similar due to shared ancestry, while analogous structures are similar due to convergent evolution, not shared ancestry.

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What is the importance of genetic data in constructing phylogenetic trees?

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Genetic data provides insights into the evolutionary relationships and divergence times between species, allowing for more accurate phylogenetic trees.

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What does the term 'cladistics' refer to in phylogenetics?

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Cladistics is a method of classifying species based on common ancestry and the branching patterns of evolution.