Evolutionary Biology- Inferring Biology
We build trees based on traits shared between members. The origin of a trait is an 'event', or 'change' in a lineage. Sometimes traits are lost in a group, and this too is an event or change. So... A tree that draws relationships between species with the fewest changes (origins or losses of traits) is the most tree.
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Consider a phylogenetic tree, with branches leading to different species. What is the general criteria used for putting in branches in a tree? That is, between any two branches, what is going on with traits between the two branches?
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Given a tree, can you identify a species that shares the most traits with another species?
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