10C - Phylogenic Trees

Question 1

phylogenetics

Answer 1

The study of the relatedness between organisms.

Question 2

phylogenetic tree

Answer 2

A diagram used to show the relatedness between organisms.

Question 3

evolutionary realtionship

Answer 3

The relatedness of organisms based on shared ancestry.

Question 4

lineage

Answer 4

A direct sequence of species that evolved from a common ancestor.

Question 5

taxon (pl. taxa)

Answer 5

A unit of biological classification into which related organisms are classified. Taxa are arranged in a hierarchical rank from kingdom down to species, where members of a specific taxon typically share certain morphology characteristics.

Question 6

root

Answer 6

Represents the most recent common ancestor for all members of a phylogenetic tree.

Question 7

branch

Answer 7

A line on a phylogenetic tree that represents an evolutionary path.

Question 8

node

Answer 8

The splitting point between two branches on a phylogenetic tree, representing a speciation event.

Question 9

leaf

Answer 9

The end of a brach that shows the current (or final) form of a species.

Question 10

adaptive radiation

Answer 10

The rapid divergent evolution of a species, thereby producing a wide array of species/ forms.