Phylogeny

Question 1

What is evolution ?

Answer 1

Biological evolution is defined as any genetic change in a population that is inherited over several generations.

Question 2

What does the branches on an evolutionary tree show?

Answer 2

The branches on the tree show how closely related different groups of organisms are, and show in what order they diverged from a common ancestor.

Question 3

What is used to compare the genetic make-up of the different groups ?

Answer 3

• DNA sequencing.
• The more similar their DNA, the more closely related they are in evolutionary terms.

Question 4

Phylogenetic definition of a species .

Answer 4

A species is the smallest group that share a common ancestor.

Question 5

The main advantages of phylogenetic classification.

Answer 5

• This method of classification is more flexible than traditional methods - it produces a continuous flowing tree rather than putting organisms into distinct groups, which they might not naturally fit.
• It considers evolutionary relationships that might not be obvious by just looking at characteristics.
• The hierarchical traditional system can be misleading as it implies that organisms at the same level are directly comparable. The phylogenetic system does not involve hierarchy.