PHYLOGENETIC TREES

Phylogenetic Tree Example: An Oak Tree has roots and branches. Phylogenetic tree has a common ancestor (roots) branches for more recent organisms. Phylogenetic tree is a visual way of organizing life and understanding relationships

Trees are used to:

1. To link classification and evolution

2. Show divergence

3. Estimate time of divergence

4. Identify new traits

5. Illustrate common traits

Illustrate common traits

Constructing a Phylogenetic Tree 1. Determine common trait ancestral trait 2. Determine organism that has no other shared trait….branch by itself…outgroup 3. Determine a trait that the rest of organisms have but not the original one 4. Continue separating remaining groups

Now – Practice!