Understanding Phylogenies

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to phylogenies, taxonomy, and evolutionary biology based on the provided lecture notes.

Phylogeny

Hypotheses regarding the evolutionary history (relationships) of organisms.

Taxonomy

The study of naming and classification of organisms.

Clade

A group of related organisms at any (or no established) taxonomic level.

Homologous Characteristics

Traits shared due to a common evolutionary history, even if their functions differ.

Analogous Characteristics

Traits that are similar in function but do not arise from a common evolutionary ancestor.

Binomial Naming System

The format for naming species using two terms: genus and species epithet.

Monophyletic Group

A group that includes an ancestral species and all its descendants.

Paraphyletic Group

A group that includes an ancestral species and some but not all descendants.

Systematics

The classification of organisms in regard to evolutionary history.

Dichotomous Branches

Branches in phylogenetic trees that depict two evolutionary pathways from a common ancestor.

Character-State Changes

Changes in traits that are used to determine the relationships between organisms in phylogenetic studies.

Parsimony

The principle that the simplest explanation is likely to be the correct one regarding evolutionary relationships.

Domain

The highest taxonomic rank in the biological classification, which includes groups such as Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.