All Flashcards
What is the effect of geographical isolation on a population?
Geographical isolation can lead to speciation as the isolated population evolves independently.
What is the effect of significant DNA differences between two species?
Suggests that the two species are not as closely related as previously thought, potentially due to convergent evolution.
What is the effect of environmental changes and adaptations?
Environmental changes and adaptations are often linked to speciation and biodiversity.
What is the effect of using molecular data instead of morphological data?
It leads to more accurate and reliable phylogenetic trees.
What is the effect of a node on a phylogenetic tree?
It represents a point of speciation or divergence from a common ancestor.
What are the key differences between a phylogenetic tree and a cladogram?
Phylogenetic Tree: Shows time scale, amount of evolutionary change | Cladogram: Focuses on shared characteristics, no time scale.
What are the differences between morphological and molecular data in constructing phylogenetic trees?
Morphological Data: Based on physical traits, can be influenced by environment | Molecular Data: Based on DNA/protein sequences, more accurate and reliable.
What are the differences between shared and derived traits?
Shared traits: Present in multiple lineages | Derived traits: Inherited from common ancestors.
What is a phylogenetic tree?
A visual tool depicting evolutionary relationships among species, showing common ancestry and evolutionary change over time.
What is a cladogram?
A diagram depicting evolutionary relationships based on shared characteristics, often morphological traits.
What is speciation?
The process by which new species form from a single ancestral species, often due to isolation and subsequent evolution.
What is an out-group in a phylogenetic tree?
The least related lineage or species on a phylogenetic tree, used as a reference point to establish the root of the tree and determine ancestral vs. derived traits.
What is common ancestry?
The concept that all species are related through shared ancestors, as illustrated by phylogenetic trees and cladograms.