Constructing A Phylogenetic Tree: Biology Teaching Resources
Constructing A Phylogenetic Tree: Biology Teaching Resources
Constructing A Phylogenetic Tree: Biology Teaching Resources
Introduction
According to the theory of evolution, all organisms can be traced back to a common ancestor. Scientists can
determine how closely related two organisms are by studying:
For this assignment, you will take a diverse group of animal species and attempt to make a phylogenetic tree
showing their evolutionary relationships. This tree should be primarily based on physical characteristics, such as:
3. Lay all the animals out on your desk and separate them into two groups by presence of a backbone.
4. On a separate sheet of paper, start drawing your phylogenetic tree like this:
5. Continue separating the animals into smaller and smaller groups. Draw each division into your tree.
6. When an animal occupies its own branch, glue it to the end of that branch on your tree.
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Animals
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