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PHYLOGENETIC TREE

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Conversation with Gemini

Phylogenetic tree


What is a Phylogenetic Tree?

  • A phylogenetic tree (also called a phylogeny or an evolutionary tree) is a diagram that represents the evolutionary relationships among a group of organisms.
  • It shows how different species or other groups evolved from a series of common ancestors.
  • The pattern of branching reflects the evolutionary history of the group.
    • Image of basic phylogenetic treeOpens in a new windowwww.researchgate.net

Key Terms

  • Node: Represents a common ancestor
  • Branch: Represents a lineage
  • Tip: Represents a descendant taxon (e.g., a species)
  • Root: Represents the ancestral lineage from which all other lineages on the tree descend.
  • Clade: A group of organisms that share a common ancestor and include all of that ancestor's descendants.

Types of Phylogenetic Trees

  • Rooted: Has a single root node representing the common ancestor of all the taxa in the tree.
  • Unrooted: Does not have a single root node, only shows the relationships between the taxa without specifying a common ancestor.
    Image of rooted and unrooted phylogenetic treesOpens in a new windowwww.bioinf.man.ac.uk

How are Phylogenetic Trees Constructed?

Phylogenetic trees are constructed using various methods that analyze similarities and differences between organisms. These methods often rely on:

  • Morphological data: Physical characteristics like bone structure, body shape, etc.
  • Genetic data: DNA or protein sequences

Interpreting Phylogenetic Trees

  • Branch length: Can represent evolutionary time (longer branches = more time) or genetic distance (longer branches = more genetic differences).
  • Branching patterns: Show how different groups diverged from common ancestors.
  • Clades: Groups of organisms that share a common ancestor and include all of that ancestor's descendants.

Uses of Phylogenetic Trees

  • Understanding evolutionary relationships: How species are related and how they evolved.
  • Classifying organisms: Identifying new species and understanding how to group them.
  • Tracking the spread of diseases: Tracing the origin and spread of viruses and bacteria.
  • Forensics: Identifying unknown samples or individuals.
  • Conservation biology: Understanding the relationships between endangered species and their relatives.

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