10.3. PHYLOGENY

Question 1

what is phylogeny?

Answer 1

• name given to the evolutionary relationships between organisms
• phylogenetics is the study of evolutionary history of groups of organisms

Question 2

what is a phylogenetic tree?

Answer 2

• a diagram used to represent the evolutionary relationships between organisms
• branched to shows species evolving from a common ancestor

Question 3

how are phylogenetic trees produced?

Answer 3

• by looking at similarities and differences in species physical characteristicsand genetic makeup
• much of the evidence has been gained from fossils

Question 4

what are the advantages of phylogeny?

Answer 4

• can be done without reference to Linnaean classification
• can be used to confirm whether classification groups are correct or causes them to be changed
• produces a continuous tree whereas classification requires discrete taxonomical groups
• hierarchal nature of Linnaean classification can be misleading as it implies different groups within the same rank are equivalent