Phylogenetic Relationships
Biology ⇒ Biological Classification
Phylogenetic Relationships starts at 10 and continues till grade 12.
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See sample questions for grade 10
A scientist compares the DNA of two species and finds a 98% similarity. What does this suggest about their evolutionary relationship?
Describe how a phylogenetic tree can help scientists understand the process of evolution.
Describe the difference between a rooted and an unrooted phylogenetic tree.
Describe what a molecular clock is and how it is used in phylogenetics.
Explain the difference between homologous and analogous structures in the context of phylogenetic relationships.
Explain the importance of using multiple sources of data (morphological, molecular, fossil) in constructing phylogenetic trees.
Explain why convergent evolution can make interpreting phylogenetic relationships challenging.
Explain why DNA sequencing has become important in modern phylogenetics.
What does a branch point (node) on a phylogenetic tree represent?
What is a phylogenetic tree?
What is the main purpose of an outgroup in phylogenetic analysis?
A phylogenetic tree shows that species X and Y share a more recent common ancestor with each other than with species Z. What does this indicate about the evolutionary relationship between X, Y, and Z?
A researcher is constructing a phylogenetic tree for four species: A, B, C, and D. DNA analysis shows that A and B share 95% similarity, A and C share 90%, and A and D share 85%. Based on this data, which two species are most likely to be sister taxa?
Describe one limitation of using only molecular data (such as DNA sequences) to infer phylogenetic relationships among species.
Explain how the concept of parsimony is applied when choosing between multiple possible phylogenetic trees for a group of organisms.
A phylogenetic tree shows that birds and crocodiles share a more recent common ancestor with each other than either does with lizards. What does this imply about their evolutionary relationships?
A scientist is studying the evolutionary relationships among five plant species. She notices that Species A, B, and C all have a unique flower structure not found in Species D and E. However, DNA analysis shows that Species C is genetically closer to D and E than to A and B. What does this suggest about the evolution of the unique flower structure?
Describe the difference between a monophyletic, paraphyletic, and polyphyletic group, and give an example of each.
Explain how horizontal gene transfer can affect the accuracy of phylogenetic trees, especially in prokaryotes.
