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3.2: Systematics, Phylogeny, and Cladistics

  • Page ID
    108063
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    Learning Objectives
    • State the theoretical basis for modern classification systems
    • Recognize and write scientific names using the binomial classification system
    • Explain the purpose of cladistics
    • Design a cladogram
    • Recognize and interpret a phylogenetic tree
    • Explain a phylogenetic tree's components and purpose

    • 3.2.1: Systematics and Classification
      Scientists continually obtain new information that helps to understand the evolutionary history of life on Earth. Part of this information includes relationships between organisms. While phylogeny represents the full understanding of evolutionary relationships, scientists also classify organisms into groups to use a common framework of language for all species known as binomial nomenclature.
    • 3.2.2: Phylogeny and Cladistics
      Scientists collect information that allows them to make evolutionary connections between organisms. Similar to detective work, scientists must use evidence to uncover the facts. In the case of phylogeny, evolutionary investigations focus on two types of evidence: morphologic (form and function) and genetic.


    This page titled 3.2: Systematics, Phylogeny, and Cladistics is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Tara Jo Holmberg.

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