Question

What is a phylogenetic tree and what is its purpose?

Answer 1

Phylogenetic tree:

1. It is a branching diagram that represents the lines of evolutionary descent of different species, organisms, or genes evolved from a series of common ancestors.
2. Based on the organism's physical appearance or external features as well as genetic characteristics phylogenetic tree is prepared.
3. Phylogenetic trees are hypothesis, not definitive facts.

Purpose:

1. They provide information on shared ancestry or historical narrative for explaining the similarities and differences among those entities placed on the tree.
2. It describes the relationships of an organism, such as from which organisms it is thought to have evolved, to which species it is most closely related, and so forth.