phylogenies Flashcards
(6 cards)
1
Q
what is a homologous character?
A
traits that have been inherited from a common ancestor
2
Q
what is synapomorphy?
A
A homologous trait that is shared among certain species and is similar because it was modified in a common ancestor
3
Q
are homologies or homoplasies reliable?
A
homologies
4
Q
what is the principle of parsimony?
A
The best hypothesis is the one with the least number of assumptions
A good phylogeny minimizes the number of assumed character
changes
5
Q
will amino acid differences be higher or lower in more similar organisms?
A
lower
6
Q
what can the molecular clock be used to determine?
A
time since divergence
