Make a list of at least 10 morphological characters that you might use to generate a phylogenetic tree of the Caminalcules. Ignore the numbers found next to each Caminalcules- they do not represent who evolved first, second, etc. 2.Construct a phylogenetic tree of relationships (Hint: it may be easiest to cut out the critters so you can move them easily and then paste on them on a paper and draw the branches accordingly). 3.Identify at least 2 recent common ancestors and write at least three critical morphological changes along the branches on which they occurred. For example, did the claws appear (or disappear) as the different species evolved?
Evolution
The history and science of origin and evolution comprise two events, the beginning of life and expansion of life. Our earth originated about 4.5 billion years ago. The term evolution is derived from two Latin words and means the act of unfolding or unrolling. English philosopher Herbert Spencer first used it. Evolution is defined as the change in heritable traits of biological populations over successive generations. These traits are the manifestations of genes that are passed down from parent to offspring during reproduction.
Cladistics
Cladistics is a technique in the classification of organisms, where they are grouped into different clades. The proof for the relationships that are hypothesized is based on the shared derived characteristics known as synapomorphies. These characteristics do not exist in many of the distant ancestors and groups. The common ancestor along with its descendants is considered to be a part of the clade. The rate of closeness is directly proportional to the cladistic grouping and is useful in analyzing the evolutionary mechanism.
Outgroups
Outgroups are significant in studying cladistics or phylogenetics (that describe the evolutionary relationship between different organisms). Further, it is also important to understand the differences and similarities between different organisms.
Taxonomy
It is the branch of biology that works with the identification of organisms at first, then naming, and classification of them into phenetic or phylogenetic groups (a classification system). In other words, it is the scientific study of biological diversity and a part of systematic biology.
Phylogenetics
Phylogenetics is the scientific study of how various groups of organisms are related at the evolutionary level. It finds the relationship between various organisms based on their evolutionary similarities and differences. It is a part of the taxonomy. Although the taxonomic study is not only concerned about phylogeny but taxonomic studies are also concerned about the classification and nomenclature of the different individuals from different taxon.
- Make a list of at least 10 morphological characters that you might use to generate a phylogenetic tree of the Caminalcules. Ignore the numbers found next to each Caminalcules- they do not represent who evolved first, second, etc.
2.Construct a phylogenetic tree of relationships (Hint: it may be easiest to cut out the critters so you can move them easily and then paste on them on a paper and draw the branches accordingly).
3.Identify at least 2 recent common ancestors and write at least three critical morphological changes along the branches on which they occurred. For example, did the claws appear (or disappear) as the different species evolved?
4.Take a picture of your phylogenetic tree and submit it with this document.
***Please note, this lab can be frustrating because you are “creating” the evolutionary story of how these critters evolved and who is more closely related to who (or not) along the way. There is no wrong answer since every student will focus on different characters (eyes, claws, spots) to make their tree and no two trees will be the same. However, I will be assigning points for completeness. I will be looking for the list of 10 characters you choose to use, if the relationships between organisms are logical and if you write in the appearances or disappearances of certain morphological characters on the branches. You also need write in at least two recent common ancestors. ***
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