Phylogeny (chapter 10)

Question 1

what is phylogeny

Answer 1

the name given to the evolutionary relationships between organisms

Question 2

phylogenic trees

Answer 2

• show different species have evolved from a common ancestor
• earliest species is found at the base of the tree and most recent species are found at the tips of the branches
  -produced by looking at similarities and differences in physical characteristics, much of evidence is gained from fossils.

Question 3

advantages of phylogenic classification

Answer 3

• phylogeny can be done without reference to Linnaean classification. Classification uses phylogeny to confirm the groups are correct.
• Phylogeny produces a continuous tree whereas classification requires taxonomical groups. Scientists don’t have to put organisms into groups where they don’t quite fit.
• The hierarchal nature of Linnaean classification can be misleading as it implies different groups within the same rank are the same.