Ch. 10.3 : Phylogeny

Question 1

Define phylogeny

Answer 1

The evolutionary relationships between organisms

Question 2

What are phylogenetic trees?

Answer 2

A branched diagram used to represent the evolutionary relationships between organisms. They show that different species have evolved from a common ancestor.

How close together the species are in the diagrams shows how similar evolutionary. If a species is extinct, its line ends earlier.

Question 3

What are the advantages of phylogenetic classification ?

Answer 3

It produces a continuous tree whereas classification requires discrete taxonomical groups. Scientists are not forced to put organisms into a specific group that they do not quite fit.

It takes into account evolutionary relationships that might not be obvious just looking at characteristics.

It is not hierarchical therefore different groups on the tree are represented according to their evolutionary position and can therefore be compared