Branching diagrams that show inferred evolutionary relationships among species.
Nodes represent common ancestors, branches lineages and tips the taxa. Branch lengths can show time or amount of change. Only the branching pattern matters, not the order of tips; rotating branches around a node doesn't change the tree.
Trees are hypotheses based on morphology or molecular data.
Branching diagrams that show inferred evolutionary relationships among species.
Phylogenetic Trees is one of the 53 topics in Evolution. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Coevolution, Molecular Clock, Convergent Evolution.
Whales are nested inside the even-toed ungulates (Artiodactyla), with hippos as their closest relatives.
Work through the Beginner topics in Evolution first, such as Evolution, Natural Selection, Charles Darwin, then return to Phylogenetic Trees. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to Phylogenetic Trees are Coevolution, Molecular Clock, Convergent Evolution, Punctuated Equilibrium. 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 Phylogenetic Trees. To practise the whole of Evolution, use the Evolution quiz.
Phylogenetic Trees: Branching diagrams that show inferred evolutionary relationships among species. Coevolution: Reciprocal evolutionary change in interacting species, such as flowers and their pollinators. 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 Coevolution and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Evolution quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Reciprocal evolutionary change in interacting species, such as flowers and their pollinators.
🦎 EvolutionUses the steady rate of neutral mutations to estimate when lineages diverged.
🦎 EvolutionUnrelated lineages evolve similar traits because they face similar selective pressures.
🦎 EvolutionSuggests species remain stable for long periods interrupted by short bursts of rapid change.
🦎 Evolution