Phylogeny Flashcards
(5 cards)
1
Q
What is phylogeny?
A
The evolutionary relationships between organisms
Can be shown by phylogenetic trees
2
Q
What do the tips of phylogenetic trees represent?
A
Groups of existing species
3
Q
What do the nodes (where lines branch off) represent?
A
Common ancestors
4
Q
What are 2 descendants that split from the same node called?
A
Sister groups
5
Q
What are the advantages of phylogenetic classification?
A
- Doesnt depend on previous characteristics of Linnaean classification
- Phylogeny produces a continuous tree as opposed to discrete groups, scientists dont have to put things in bad fitting groups
- Hierarchal nature of Linnaean classification can be misleading, suggests organisms within same group are equivalent
