Phylogeny

Question 1

Discuss a phylogenetic tree’s component

Answer 1

• “Leaf“/Tip of branch: Species
• Length of “branch“: indicates evolutionary distance or time
• “Nodes” (where branches split): common ancestor of species found on branches extending from node

Question 2

Phylogenetic tree purpose?

Answer 2

It is a diagram showing evolutionary relationships among various biological species. It is an evolutionary hypothesis.

Question 3

Why DNA and proteins data are used in the construction of phylogenetic trees?

Answer 3

They will accumulate changes in the DNA sequences. We can use these changes in the DNA to tell how closely related two species are. If there aren’t very many differences, they’re probably closely related.

Question 4

What are exemples of data that can be selected while building a tree?

Answer 4

• Morphological (small or large)
• Physiological (cold-blooded or warm-blooded)
• Behavioral (take care of their offspring)
• Ecological (predator or prey/live on land or in water)
• Molecular