3 Questions
Which of the following accurately describes a monophyletic clade?
A clade that contains all the extant taxa of the ancestors
What is the difference between a cladogram and a phylorgam?
Phylorgams show how different species belong to an ancestor that forms a clade, while cladograms show genetic variation
What is the implication of the molecular clock theory for building phylogenetic trees?
Protein sequences evolve at constant rates and can be used to estimate times that sequences diverged
Study Notes
Clades and Phylogenetic Trees
- A monophyletic clade is a group of organisms that shares a common ancestor and all of its descendants.
- A cladogram is a diagram that shows the relationships between different organisms based on their shared characteristics, but does not provide a timescale.
- A phylogram, on the other hand, is a diagram that shows the relationships between different organisms, including the timescale of their divergences.
- The molecular clock theory proposes that molecular changes occur at a constant rate over time, allowing researchers to estimate the time of divergence between different organisms.
- The implication of the molecular clock theory for building phylogenetic trees is that it provides a way to estimate the timing of evolutionary events, enabling the construction of more accurate and informative trees.
Test your knowledge of evolutionary relationships and taxonomy with our Phylogenetic Tree Quiz! From the roots of the tree to the terminal nodes, explore the various components of this graphic representation of species and sequences. With questions on taxon composition, branch representation, and clades, this quiz will challenge your understanding of phylogenetics and the history of life on Earth.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
