Uses DNA and protein sequences to infer relationships between organisms.
DNA, RNA and protein sequences provide numerous characters. Mitochondrial DNA, rRNA and nuclear genes are used. Reveals relationships hidden by convergent anatomy, e.g. whales near hippos.
Molecular data are abundant but need alignment and models. Different genes may give different trees (gene tree versus species tree).
Example: DNA shows hippos are closest to whales.
Uses DNA and protein sequences to infer relationships between organisms.
Molecular Systematics is one of the 52 topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Simpson and Shannon Indices, Endangered Species, Cryptic Species.
The giant panda is a bear according to DNA.
Work through the Beginner topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity first, such as Taxonomy, Binomial Nomenclature, Taxonomic Hierarchy, then return to Molecular Systematics. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to Molecular Systematics are Simpson and Shannon Indices, Endangered Species, Cryptic Species, Dichotomous Keys. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Molecular Systematics. To practise the whole of Taxonomy & Biodiversity, use the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz.
Molecular Systematics: Uses DNA and protein sequences to infer relationships between organisms. Simpson and Shannon Indices: Mathematical measures that combine richness and abundance to quantify diversity. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Simpson and Shannon Indices and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Mathematical measures that combine richness and abundance to quantify diversity.
🗂️ Taxonomy & BiodiversitySpecies at high risk of extinction, listed on the IUCN Red List.
🗂️ Taxonomy & BiodiversityDistinct species that look nearly identical and are separated only by molecular or behavioural evidence.
🗂️ Taxonomy & BiodiversityStep-by-step tools using paired choices to identify organisms.
🗂️ Taxonomy & Biodiversity