Chapter 2 Introduction
In this class we are going to conduct a research project using genomic data to figure out how a set of species are related (i.e. build phylogenies). Start by watching the Preview and episodes 1, 5, 12, and 14 in this series on animal evolution.
2.1 Phylogenies
For a more detailed explanation of phylogenies go through the following course.
Now that you’ve seen some phylogenies and how they are used, here’s another example of a simply phylogeny of some groups of vertebrates. Remember, the tree-like structure allows you to tell how closely related species are.
Use this phylogeny to practive tracing back who shares recent and not-so-recent common ancestors. For example, do mammals and birds share a common ancestor more recently than snakes and mammals? Also practice using the noted trait evolution to think about which groups have which characteristics.
If you’d like a little more practice, here’s another resource.