Phylogeny Quiz Flashcards
List the 8 basic taxonomic designations
Domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
Explain the hierarchical nature of classification systems
The hierarchical nature of classification systems are from general to more specific. The lower groups are within higher groups.
What are the basic parts of a phylogenetic tree?
Root, Branches, Nodes, Tips
Root
the common ancestor of all taxa on a phylogenetic tree
Branches
represent lineage
Tips
the end of a branch; a taxon
Nodes
a place of a common ancestor of taxa
Ancestral Traits
a trait that was present in the ancestor of a group
Derived Traits
Present in organism but absent in last common ancestor
Parsimony
Fewest changes from ancestral to derived character states. Simplest tree/least amount of repeats
What is the connection between the classification of living species (taxonomy) and their evolutionary relationships (phylogeny)?
taxonomy should reflect phylogeny
Character
a specific trait that is shared among all taxonomic groups
Why are outgroups included on a tree?
Outgroups are included to establish the root of the tree. It serves as a reference point for determining the evolutionary relationships among the members of the in-group
Homologous Traits
similar characteristics in different species that are inherited from a common ancestor (five-fingered hand of humans and the five-toed foot of lizards)
Analogous Traits
similar characteristics in different species that evolved independently (wings of a butterfly and a bird)
