Species and Systems of Organizing Them
Biological Species: A group of natural populations that are or could interbreed and are reproductively isolated. (producing fertile offspring) The Western meadowlark (left) and the Eastern meadowlark (right) appear to be identical, and their ranges overlap, but their distinct songs prevent interbreeding. Sisters: two ants of the species Pheidole barbata, fulfilling different roles in the same colony
Sometimes reproductive isolation is incomplete in nature. Hybrid: Product of interbreeding between two different species.
Organizes organisms by evolutionary history Phylogenetic Tree: Organizes organisms by evolutionary history
Which two organisms are most closely related? (share the most recent common ancestor) Philodota & Carnivora
Organizes organisms by ancestral and derived characters Cladogram: Organizes organisms by ancestral and derived characters
Convergent evolution can lead to similar derived characters (traits).
outgroup
Where would a dolphin go? Why? With the Tiger because it has hair and a tail.
What is the outgroup? Sharks