1.3: Phylogenies

macroevolution

evolutionary changes among taxonomic groups above the species level. including origin, diversification and extinction of species over long periods

monophyletic group

a group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all its descendants, forming a clade.

phylogeny

evolutionary history of relationships between organisms that share a common ancestor

lineage

series of ancestor and descendant populations

node

a point on a phylogenetic tree where a branch splits, representing a common ancestor.

root

common ancestor of all organisms in the tree

taxon

any group of species designated within a name

sister species

2 species that are each other’s closest relatives

polyphyletic group

doesn’t include the common ancestor

paraphyletic group

includes the common ancestor but not all descendants

fossil record

collection of fossils that document the history of life and provides evidence of evolution

phylogenetic tree

diagram that illustrates evolutionary relationships among organisms

convergent evolution

process where unrelated/distantly related species independently evolve similar traits as a result of adapting to similar environments

convergent evolution example

wings of bats (mammals) and birds allow for flight but evolved separately

analogous structures

body parts in different species that have similar functions but evolved independently due to convergent evolution.