What is the primary purpose of a phylogenetic tree?

A. To classify organisms based on physical appearance

B. To visualise evolutionary relationships and common ancestry

C. To depict the geographical distribution of species

D. To show the mutation rate of different species

In cladistics, what does a clade represent?

A. A group of species with different ancestors

B. A single branch on a phylogenetic tree

C. A group of species that includes an ancestor and all its descendants

D. The point where two branches diverge on a phylogenetic tree

What are derived characteristics used for in cladistics?

A. Identifying the most ancient species

B. Determining the age of fossils

C. Identifying evolutionary relationships among a set of species

D. Calculating the mutation rate in a lineage

Which of the following is considered an outgroup in cladistics?

A. A species within the clade being studied

B. A species that shares the most recent common ancestor with the clade

C. A species that diverged before the common ancestor of the clade

D. A species that has the most derived characteristics

How is a cladogram different from a phylogenetic tree?

A. A cladogram shows time, while a phylogenetic tree does not

B. A cladogram shows only branching patterns, while a phylogenetic tree shows evolutionary relationships and time

C. A cladogram includes extinct species, while a phylogenetic tree does not

D. A cladogram is used only for animals, while a phylogenetic tree is used for plants

a) Define a phylogenetic tree and explain its importance in visualising evolutionary relationships and common ancestry. [4]

b) Describe how to read and interpret a phylogenetic tree, providing an example for clarification. [3]

a) Explain the concept of cladistics and how it is used to organize organisms based on evolutionary relationships. [3]

b) Define and give examples of clades and derived characteristics. [4]

a) Discuss the role of outgroups in cladistics and explain how cladograms are created and interpreted. [4]

b) Provide an example of a cladogram and explain the evolutionary relationships depicted in it. [3]

a) Explain the process of allopatric speciation and identify a factor that could lead to genetic isolation in this mode of speciation. [4]

b) Contrast allopatric speciation with sympatric speciation, providing an example for each. [4]

c) Discuss how genetic divergence can lead to the formation of new species in allopatric speciation. [3]

a) Define and discuss the significance of derived characteristics in cladistics. [3]

b) Explain how derived characteristics are used to create cladograms, providing a specific example. [4]

c) Discuss the concept of clades and how they represent evolutionary relationships. [4]