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Describe how a phylogenetic tree can be used to determine the evolutionary relationship between three species: A, B, and C.
Explain the significance of a "node" in a phylogenetic tree.
How can molecular data, such as DNA sequences, be used to construct a phylogenetic tree?
What is the difference between a monophyletic group and a paraphyletic group in a phylogenetic tree?
How can horizontal gene transfer complicate the construction of phylogenetic trees?
Explain how morphological data can be used to construct a phylogenetic tree. Provide an example of a morphological trait that might be used.
Describe how molecular data, such as DNA sequences, can be used to construct a phylogenetic tree. Include a brief explanation of how sequence alignment works.
What is a clade, and how is it represented in a phylogenetic tree? Provide an example.
How can convergent evolution complicate the construction of phylogenetic trees based on morphological data?
What is the significance of using both morphological and molecular data in constructing phylogenetic trees?
Explain how molecular data, such as DNA sequences, can be used to construct phylogenetic trees and infer evolutionary relationships among species.
Describe how the concept of a "molecular clock" can be used to estimate the time of divergence between two species.
How can phylogenetic trees be used to identify instances of convergent evolution?
Discuss how horizontal gene transfer can complicate the construction of phylogenetic trees.
Explain how the principle of parsimony is applied in constructing phylogenetic trees.
How can horizontal gene transfer complicate the construction of phylogenetic trees?
(Student response here)
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) can complicate the construction of phylogenetic trees because it involves the transfer of genes between unrelated species, rather than through vertical inheritance from parent to offspring. This can create conflicting signals in the genetic data, making it difficult to accurately determine evolutionary relationships. HGT can blur the lines of descent and make it challenging to construct a tree that accurately reflects the evolutionary history of the species involved.
Why does horizontal gene transfer (HGT) complicate the construction of phylogenetic trees?
It involves the transfer of genes between unrelated species, creating conflicting signals in the genetic data.
It only affects physical traits, not genetic data.
It results in the loss of genetic information, making it hard to trace ancestry.
It only occurs in extinct species, making it hard to gather data.
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