Chapter 20 Flashcards
What is a phylogenetic tree?
A phylogenetic tree is a diagram that represents the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics.
True or False: A phylogenetic tree can depict the passage of time in evolution.
True
Fill in the blank: The length of the branches in a phylogenetic tree often represents _______.
time
Multiple Choice: What does a node represent in a phylogenetic tree? A) A species B) A common ancestor C) A time period D) A habitat
B) A common ancestor
How does the arrangement of a phylogenetic tree reflect evolutionary changes over time?
The arrangement shows how species diverged from common ancestors, indicating the sequence and timing of evolutionary events.
True or False: Organisms that appear closely related on a phylogenetic tree always share a recent common ancestor.
False
What is convergent evolution?
Convergent evolution is the process where unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits due to adapting to similar environments.
Fill in the blank: The similarities between organisms that are not closely related can often be attributed to __________.
homoplasy
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a reason why organisms may appear closely related despite being distantly related? A) Genetic drift B) Convergent evolution C) Natural selection D) All of the above
D) All of the above
Short Answer: What role does the rate of evolution play in the interpretation of phylogenetic trees?
The rate of evolution can vary significantly among different lineages, leading to discrepancies in the perceived relatedness of organisms on a phylogenetic tree.
What is the primary reason scientists distinguish between homologous and analogous traits when building phylogenetic trees?
To accurately represent evolutionary relationships among organisms.
True or False: Homologous traits arise from a common ancestor, while analogous traits arise independently in different lineages.
True
Fill in the blank: Homologous traits provide __________ evidence for constructing phylogenetic trees.
evolutionary
Which type of trait is misleading when determining evolutionary relationships: homologous or analogous?
Analogous
What is an example of a homologous trait?
The forelimbs of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
What is the highest level of the taxonomic classification system?
Domain
True or False: The taxonomic classification system includes only five levels.
False
Fill in the blank: The second level of the taxonomic classification system is called __________.
Kingdom