lecture 8

Question 1

What is the difference between systematics and taxonomy? How is phylogenetic
systematics different from Linnaean taxonomy?

Answer 1

-systematics: determining the relationships of organisms and the name of groups of organisms and taxonomy determines the name and classification of organisms
-Linnean systematics: nested ranks that use overall similarities between organisms(apomorphies and plesiomorphies) while phylogenetic systematic is based on evolutionary relationships between organisms(uses only apomorphies)

Question 2

On a cladogram:
a. Be able to tell the difference between a monophyletic (clade),
paraphyletic, and polyphyletic group.
b. Know the difference between stems and nodes.
c. For any taxon or clade, be able to determine the sister taxon

Question 3

Know the difference between a character and character state.

Answer 3

Character- a particular traits( example: number of holes behind the eye)

Character state- different forms of the trait (example: no hole, one hole, two holes)

Question 4

What is the difference between an apomorphy and a plesiomorphy? How can a
character state be both?

Answer 4

Apomorphy : derived character state ( recently evolved)
Plesiomorphy: ancestral character state (inherited)

It can be both depending on the evolutionary analysis and the organisms involved

Question 5

Know the difference between a node-based and stem-based definition!

Answer 5

Node: where two lineages branch apart
Stem : the branches that connect the nodes