📚 Topic Summary
Cladograms are diagrams that show the evolutionary relationships between different groups of organisms. Think of them as family trees for species! They're based on shared characteristics, where organisms closer together on the cladogram share a more recent common ancestor. Understanding cladograms helps us visualize how evolution has unfolded and how different species are connected.
This quiz will help you practice interpreting and creating cladograms. Good luck!
🧠 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the terms on the left with the correct definitions on the right.
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Clade |
A. A characteristic shared by all members of a group. |
| 2. Node |
B. A group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all of its descendants. |
| 3. Shared Derived Character |
C. The point where a cladogram splits, representing a common ancestor. |
| 4. Outgroup |
D. A species that is closely related to the group being studied, but branched off earlier in evolutionary history. |
| 5. Phylogeny |
E. The evolutionary history of a species or group of species. |
✏️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the missing words in the paragraph below.
A cladogram is a diagram that shows the ____________ relationships among organisms. Each ____________ represents a point where lineages diverge, indicating a common ____________. The most recent common ancestor is located at the ____________ of the branches, while the __________ is a group that is closely related but not part of the main group being studied.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain how cladograms are useful in understanding the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.