Concept explainers
To analyze:
Possible advantages & pitfalls of using morphological characters to construct phylogenetic trees
Introduction:
Phylogenetic tree is a diagrammatic representation about evolutionary trends of different organisms. This is a hypothetical concept. For the construction of a phylogenetic tree proper understanding on ancestors & descendants of species is required. To obtain this information examining of morphological characters can be used.
Morphological features include aspects of the external appearance such as shape, structure, color, pattern & size. So in the morphological analysis concentrate on observing & recording these features to differentiate between organisms. After doing a deep morphological analysis biologists can get an idea about 2 species relatedness. Using this data phylogenetic tree can be constructed.
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Principles of Biology
- Examine the following phylogenetic tree illustrated in Figure shown in the first picture. In general, what does a phylogenetic tree illustrate? How do you compare the relationships of organisms BB, CC, and DD? Given the following organisms in the Table in the second picture, number them in terms of which is relatively closest and distant. Number 1 refers to closest.arrow_forwardWhen constructing phylogenetic trees, what is the purpose of applying maximum parsimony? Parsimony allows the researcher to "root" the tree. For trees based on morphology, the most parsimonious tree requires the maximum evolutionary events. The outgroup roots the tree, allowing the principle of parsimony to be applied. For trees based on morphology, the most parsimonious is the one that uses the simplest explanation of evolutionary events.arrow_forwardWhich of the following is FALSE regarding phylogenetic trees? 1) The branch lengths on the tree are scaled to molecular (DNA) changes and/or time. 2)Phylogenetic trees have shown us that there is much more bacterial diversity compared to eukaryotes. 3) Phylogenetic trees show the evolutionary relatedness of different organisms. 4). The branch lengths on the tree depict abiotic and biotic factors affecting speciation.arrow_forward
- Cladograms and phylogenetic trees are both examples of evolutionary trees. While both types contain groups of organisms that descended from a common ancestor, phylogenetic trees are typically constructed in a way where the length of the "branches" and their relation to other organisms on the tree represent the inferred evolutionary change that actually occurred. On the other hand, cladograms typically display "branches" that are of equal distance to one another.The primary purpose of this assignment is for you become comfortable reading evolutionary trees, to accurately determine recent common ancestors, to identify which organisms are extinct (dead), extant (living), and the general relationship genetics plays in the overarching process of evolution. 1. What types of evidence could scientists look at to make an accurate evolutionary tree?arrow_forwardHow does a phylogenetic tree relate to the passing of time? Some organisms that appear very closely related to a phylogenetic tree may not actually be closely related (Example. Sharks and dolphins). Why is this?arrow_forwardDo you find it easy to interpret phylogenetic trees? What aspects are the most challenging or what aspects of the tree can be easily misinterpreted? What strategies can students use to correct or avoid these common misinterpretations? Do you consider phylogenetic trees to be reliable indicators of evolutionary relationships? Include a reference.arrow_forward
- A phylogenetic tree is a branching diagram that shows the evolutionary relationship among different biological species or genes or organisms from a common ancestor. They are used as a research tool in various fields. All of the provided statements are true regarding phylogenetic trees, except? It is considered as a hypothesis of the evolutionary path. It is a tool that shows the evolutionary pathway. It shows evolutionary history through common ancestors. It shows only the phenotypic similarity.arrow_forwardSome organisms that appear very closely related on a phylogenetic tree may not actually be closely related. Why is this?arrow_forwardDiscuss how the principle of parsimony can be used in a cladistics approach to constructing a phylogenetic tree.arrow_forward
- In evolution, what is Phylogenetic path analysis? I just need a general description of how it works.arrow_forwardBased on their anatomical and behavioral differences, biologists previously placed humans and chimpanzees in different families, but now DNA sequence data suggest that they are closely related and should be placed in the same family. What are some advantages of using DNA sequences to decide how to classify organisms? What might be some disadvantages?arrow_forwardFor novice biologists, taxonomy and phylogenetics are difficult concepts to understand and keep separate. This confusion is made worse because modern taxonomic methods make use of molecular tools. Write an essay that contrasts taxonomy to phylogenetics and explain how both disciplines are important to our understanding of species and evolution. Your essay should include a description of taxonomy and phylogenetics, as well as a detailed explanation about how information is represented in a phylogenetic tree or a cladogram.arrow_forward
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