diagram that shows the hypothesized evolutionary relationship among species.
Cladogram/Phylogenetic Tree
a tree-like diagram which shows possible evolutionary relationships.
Monophyletic Group
a group of organisms that includes a common ancestor and all of its descendants.
Paraphyletic Group
a group of organisms that includes a common ancestor but not all of its descendants.
Polyphyletic Group
a group of organisms that includes groups of species with different ancestors.
Divergent Evolution
the process of related species adapting differently to their environment and becoming more dissimilar. (ex: Two pelican species in SW Florida.)
Homology
the morphological and molecular traits that are derived from a common ancestor and are retained. (ex: Long, hooked beaks with gulag pouches.)
Convergent Evolution
when a similar trait arises between species that do not share a recent common ancestor. (ex: Dorsal fins in dolphins and sharks.)
Homoplasy
independently evolved but similar traits.
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