module 4 - 10.3 phylogeny Flashcards
1
Q
what is phylogeny?
A
study of evolutionary relationships and history between organisms
2
Q
where does evidence for phylogeny come from?
A
- DNA and RNA base sequences
- amino acid sequences in proteins
- the fossil record
3
Q
what does phylogeny result in?
A
phylogenetic trees
4
Q
what do phylogenetic trees show?
A
relationships between organisms and their common ancestors
5
Q
what are the 5 rules for phylogenetic trees?
A
- common ancestor at bottom - can be at top or side
- most recent species at top of branches
- nodes show common ancestors
- count nodes that separate taxa to show degree of relationship
- branches ending before top of tree are extinct
6
Q
what are nodes?
A
they show common ancestors for terminal taxa that share a node
7
Q
what has phylogeny allowed?
A
allowed modern taxonomy to resolve disputed classification(s) that are difficult
8
Q
why are phylogenetic trees continuous?
A
they don’t require discrete taxa
