7.5 Branching Trees
Branching Tree diagram : It shows probable evolutionary relationships among organisms.
Shared Derived Characteristics A branching tree diagram shows evolutionary relationships by grouping organisms according to shared derived characteristics. SDC : usually a homologous structure, such as a backbone, that is shared by all organisms in a group
Evolutionary groups A branching tree has groups within groups EX. Animals with backbone: fishes, amphibians, and reptiles…. Animals with 4 limbs: amphibians and repltiles….. Animals that produce eggs with shells : reptiles
Order of characteristics Characteristics that appear lower on a branching tree probably developed before characteristics higher on the tree. Backbones earlier than backbone & 4 limbs.
Constructing a Branching Tree Do mosses have any of the characteristics indicated at the top of the table? Which plant has the greatest number of characteristics? Use this info to draw a branching tree. Characteristics of Plants Plant True Roots Seeds Flowers Moss No Fern Yes Spruce Tree Apple Tree
Review How does a branching tree diagram divide organisms into groups?
Branching Trees RNTG 1. Shared Derived Characteristics Branching tree diagram shows evolutionary relationships A shared derived characteristic is usually a homologous structure A branching tree has groups within groups Characteristics on lower branches probably appeared first 2. II Constructing a Branching Tree The base of the tree shows a common ancestor Continue until a group has the greatest number of shared derived characteristics Branching tree can show fossils as well as living organisms.
II Constructing a Branching Tree The base of the tree shows a common ancestor Continue until a group has the greatest number of shared derived characteristics Branching tree can show fossils as well as living organisms.