Phylogenetic trees are also commonly referred to as “evolutionary trees.” Evolutionary trees are diagrams that show the relationships that exist among various species throughout the history and progress of evolution. There are several types of phylogenetic trees that show these specific evolutionary relationships, including similarities and differences of species, although the most common types include rooted trees and unrooted trees and bifurcating or multifurcating trees. Each of these trees all show similar information, yet there are vital differences that separate the tree types. Rooted trees, for instance, focus on a common point from which all portions of the tree stem. Unrooted trees, however, do not require a common “root” or ancestor for all “leaves” in the diagram. Bifurcating trees can be either rooted or unrooted trees, although they must contain two ancestors for each “stem” of the tree. Multifurcating trees are similar in that they can be either rooted or unrooted; however, they must feature three or more ancestors. The type of tree that is used varies based on what type of project it is being used for, though all are extremely useful.
Phylogenetic tree diagrams are most frequently created and used by biologists and those who are interested in discovering or studying information about the history of evolution. Evolutionary trees require a lot of scientific information to develop, although the basic formation of phylogenetic tree diagrams themselves is usually created through the use of phylogenetic software and generators. The organized state of phylogenetic trees makes the process of studying and identifying evolutionary relationships much easier to comprehend all at once, which helps biologists to more easily view information. It is much like an organized outline that is used when writing a term paper. Phylogenetic trees help biologists identify certain evolutionary traits that are held by similar species; for instance, both chickens and ducks are birds, yet only ducks can take flight. Organizing information such as birds capable of flight versus birds that are incapable helps biologists to understand what type of evolutionary alterations have occurred amongst a group of birds, like chickens, that make them unable to take flight. With the use of phylogenetic or evolutionary trees and a lot of hard work, biologists can make great strides in uncovering the mystery of evolution among all species.
Generators
- Phylogenetic Tree Prediction: Using this phylogenetic tree generator allows users to customize the look and format of the tree.
- Phylogenetic Generator: This generator uses the most common phylogenetic methods to generate trees in multiple formats.
- Maximum Likelihood of Phylogenies Generator : Here, individuals can calculate and generate the maximum likelihood of phylogenies for free.
- PHYLIP Phylogenetic Programs: This resource leads to a package of free programs to assist in creating phylogenetic trees.
- Interactive Tree of Life: This interactive resource allows users to display and alter phylogenetic trees.
- Phylogenetic Tree Maker: Pasting phylogenetic tree sequences in newick format will instantly create a phylogenetic tree with this generator.
Worksheets
- Learning Evolution Using Phylogenetic Analysis Student Worksheet (PDF): Following this link leads to a student worksheet that provides extremely detailed steps on how to create a phylogenetic tree. It also includes a quiz section that pertains to examples provided within the worksheet.
- Phylogenetic Analysis Lab (PDF): In this document, instructions for analyzing phylogenetic trees are provided.
- Creating Phylogenetic Trees From DNA Sequences: This helpful resource provides a video and a downloadable worksheet that teaches individuals how to create phylogenetic trees from DNA sequences.
- Biological Trees (PDF): This worksheet explains the purpose of biological trees.
- Understanding Evolutionary Trees (PDF): In this document, readers will find a helpful worksheet that explains how to understand the purpose and specific features of evolutionary trees.
- How to Make a Cladogram: A student worksheet detailing how to create phylogenetic trees, or cladograms, is available through this resource.
Quizzes
- Phylogenetic Tree Quiz: Here, a quiz on phylogenetic trees containing 35 multiple choice questions is provided.
- Evolutionary Relationships: This quiz on evolutionary relationships features definitions and diagrams.
- Tree Thinking Challenge (PDF): This challenge consists of several multiple-choice questions about evolutionary trees.
- Basic Tree Thinking Assessment (PDF): An assessment that allows individuals to test their knowledge about evolutionary trees is provided through this resource.
- Invertebrate Zoology Phylogeny/Porifera Quiz: On this website, a quiz that tests the knowledge of phylogeny in relation to invertebrate zoology is given.
- Phylogeny Quiz: A multiple-choice-style quiz on phylogeny can be taken by following this link.
- Phylogeny and Systematics Quiz: This quiz features 28 multiple-choice questions that are submitted and graded automatically upon submission.
- Phylogeny and the Tree of Life (PDF): Phylgoeny knowledge, in relation to phylogenetic trees, is tested through this document, and answers are provided to serve as a guide.
Image credit
Phylogenetic tree diagram