Question 26
How do scientists study evolutionary relationships,
and how is this information used in classification? Give some specific evidence
that a group of animals are related to each other. [Chapter 25]
The Fossil Record and Geological Time
(read pages
484-492)
Sedimentary rocks are the
richest source of fossils.
Paleontologists use a variety
of methods to date fossils.
The fossil record is a
substantial, but incomplete, chronicle of evolutionary history.
Phylogeny has a biogeographic
basis in continental drift.
The history of life is
punctuated by mass extinctions.
Systematics: Connecting Classification to
Phylogeny
(read pages
493-505)
Taxonomy employs a hierarchical
system of classification
Modern phylogenetic systematics
is based on cladistic analysis.
Systematists can infer
phylogeny from molecular data.
The principle of parsimony
helps systematists reconstruct phylogeny.
Phylogenetic trees are
hypotheses.
Molecular clocks may keep track
of evolutionary time.
Modern systematics is flourishing with lively debate.
|
John C. Murphy |
Science |
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Phone: (815) 436-3200, ext. 2120 |
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jmurphy@learningcommunity202.org |
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© 2001 Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202.