Question

The creation of phylogenetic trees from molecular data has facilitated the study of many questions in evolutionary biology. Describe one example of how having a phylogenetic tree has added to our understanding of either speciation or adaptation (note: for speciation it is not sufficient to simply determine how species are related to each other). Be sure to compare how this question would be studied in the absence of a robust phylogeny with what is gained by having a phylogeny for the group.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

A phylogenetic tree, also known as a phylogeny, is a diagram that depicts the lines of evolutionary descent of different species, organisms, or genes from a common ancestor. Phylogenies are useful for organizing knowledge of biological diversity, for structuring classifications, and for providing insight into events that occurred during evolution. Furthermore, because these trees show descent from a common ancestor, and because much of the strongest evidence for evolution comes in the form of common ancestry, one must understand phylogenies in order to fully appreciate the overwhelming evidence supporting the theory of evolution.