Understanding Phylogenetics and Cladograms

Fossil Record

The collection of all fossils that have been discovered across the entire Earth.

Significance of Fossil Record

The fossil record shows gradual changes in the skeletons of organisms, giving us a picture of how species have changed over time.

Fossil Record

The collection of all fossils that have been discovered across the entire Earth.

Significance of Fossil Record

The fossil record shows gradual changes in the skeletons of organisms, giving us a picture of how species have changed over time.

DNA Sequences

The order of bases that appear in a sequence for a specific protein.

Significance of DNA Sequences

Species that are closely related to each other have DNA sequences for proteins that are almost identical! The more closely related two species are, the fewer differences they have in their DNA sequences.

Comparative Anatomy

The comparison of physical structures of organisms.

Significance of Comparative Anatomy

Identify common ancestry based on similarities and differences of physical structures.

Comparative Embryology

The comparison of the embryological development of species.

Significance of Comparative Embryology

Reveals similarities in development not seen in fully developed adults.

Phylogenetic Trees

A visual representation of common ancestry and evolution.

Significance of Phylogenetic Trees

Shows how closely organisms are related to each other and when different traits evolved throughout life history.

Node

Represents the last common ancestor for all species that evolved after that node.

Branch

Shows evolution of different species after a specific node.

Homologous Structures

Structures that are similar in different species due to shared ancestry.

Analogous Structures

Structures that serve similar functions but evolved independently in different species.

Vestigial Structures

Structures that have lost most or all of their original function through the course of evolution.

Driving Question

How do the fossil record, anatomical structures, and DNA evidence support the theory of evolution?

Check for Understanding

Questions to assess comprehension of cladograms and phylogenetic trees.

Cladogram

A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics.

Common Ancestry

The concept that different species share a common ancestor from which they evolved.

Evidence of Evolution

Data and observations that support the theory of evolution, including fossil records, DNA sequences, and comparative anatomy.

Phylogenetics

The study of evolutionary relationships among biological entities, often using a phylogenetic tree.

Amino Acid Differences

Variations in the sequence of amino acids in proteins that can indicate how closely related different species are.

Exit Ticket

An assessment tool used to gauge students' understanding of the day's lesson.