In a phylogenetic or evolutionary tree, how is relatedness defined, i.e., what is used to  determine relatedness?

Concepts of Biology
1st Edition
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Chapter12: Diversity Of Life
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 13CTQ: How does a phylogenetic tree indicate major evolutionary events within a lineage?
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. In a phylogenetic or evolutionary tree, how is relatedness defined, i.e., what is used to  determine relatedness?



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The relatedness of two species in a phylogenetic analysis has a very particular significance. If two species share a more current common ancestor, they are more connected, and when they have a less recent common ancestor, they have been less related.

Organisms with comparable physical characteristics and genetic sequence are relatively closely related than those without. Homologous structures are characteristics that coincide both morphologically and genetically; the similarity derive from overlapping evolutionary routes.

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