Phylogenetic Trees

Question 1

Phylogenetic tree

Answer 1

A graphic depiction of evolutionary history or phylogeny

Question 2

Root

Answer 2

Base of tree indicating common ancestor of all taxa on tips

Question 3

Node

Answer 3

A split where speciation occurs - one species splits in two

Question 4

Branch

Answer 4

A species or other group changing through time

Question 5

Tip

Answer 5

The end of a branch representing a taxon

Question 6

Taxon

Answer 6

A named group of organisms - taxa = plural

Question 7

Monophyletic group

Answer 7

An ancestor and all of its descendants (a clade)

Question 8

Synapomorphy

Answer 8

A trait that one group has that no one else does - define monophyletic groups

Question 9

Homoplasy

Answer 9

occurs when two (or more) taxa independently evolve the same trait (aka convergent evolution)

Question 10

Homology

Answer 10

occurs when two (or more) taxa share the same trait because they both inherited it from a shared ancestor

Question 11

Outgroup

Answer 11

Any lineage represented in the phylogenetic tree that is not a part of the monophyletic group

Question 12

Parsimony

Answer 12

Simplest answer = correct answer

Question 13

Polyphyletic group

Answer 13

usually two species that share a trait because of convergent evolution (not a clade)

Question 14

Paraphyletic group

Answer 14

Common ancestor and a subset of its descendants (not a clade)

Question 15

Homologous traits

Answer 15

All traits shared by common ancestry between certain organisms