Phylogeny

Question 1

What is Phylogeny?

Answer 1

• Phylogeny is the name given to the evolutionary relationships between organisms The study of this is called phylogenetics.
• This indicates which group a particular organism is related to, and how closely related these organisms are.
• It is the objective of many scientists to develop a classification system that correctly takes into account the phylogeny of an organism.

Question 2

Phylogenetic trees

Answer 2

• Phylogenetic trees are used to represent the evolutionary relationships between organisms.
• They are branched diagrams, which show that different species have evolved from a common ancestor.
• They are produced by looking at similarities and differences in species’ physical characteristics and genetic makeup.

Question 3

Advantages of phylogenetic classification

Answer 3

• Classification uses knowledge of phylogeny in order to confirm the classification groups are correct.
• It produces a continuous tree whereas classification requires discrete taxonomical groups. Scientists are not forced to put organisms into specific groups.
• Hierarchal nature of classification can be misleading as it implies different groups within the same rank are equivalent even if one has a longer history than others.