Phylogenetics Crossword Puzzle

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TREE LENGTH : The total number of changes required for all characters on the tree.
VESTIGIAL : A structure inherited from an ancestor that no longer serves a clear function in the organism that possesses it.
CLADES :  All branches and tips derived from a given node.
PARAPHYLETIC : Taxonomic group that includes the common ancestor but excludes descendants on one or more branches.
ROOT : An extra node added at the base of a phylogenetic tree; the MRCA for all organisms on the tree.
HOMOPLASIOUS :  Structures which are similar in form and function that arose independently (due to convergent evolution).
PARSIMONY :  The simplest solution which explains all the data is preferred.
MONOPHYLETIC : A clade; taxonomic group that includes the common ancestor and all descendants.
NODES : Part of the phylogenetic tree which represents branching points; Represents populations not individuals.
TIPS : Part of the phylogenetic tree which represents taxa or individuals.
PHYLOGENY : Reconstruction of evolutionary relationships using trees.
POLYPHYLETIC : Taxonomic group that does not include the common ancestor; often erroneously groups due to homoplasy.
COMMON ANCESTOR :  Population found at a branching point, which gives rise to all descendent species.
PHYLOGENETIC TREE : Diagram representing the branching history of evolution.
BRANCHES : Part of the phylogenetic tree depicting independently evolving lineages.
TAXONOMY : Classifying names and organisms.
HOMOLOGOUS : Structures which evolved from the same feature in a common ancestor.

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QUESTIONS LIST:

tree length : the total number of changes required for all characters on the tree.
vestigial : a structure inherited from an ancestor that no longer serves a clear function in the organism that possesses it.
clades : all branches and tips derived from a given node.
paraphyletic : taxonomic group that includes the common ancestor but excludes descendants on one or more branches.
root : an extra node added at the base of a phylogenetic tree; the mrca for all organisms on the tree.
homoplasious : structures which are similar in form and function that arose independently (due to convergent evolution).
parsimony : the simplest solution which explains all the data is preferred.
monophyletic : a clade; taxonomic group that includes the common ancestor and all descendants.
nodes : part of the phylogenetic tree which represents branching points; represents populations not individuals.
tips : part of the phylogenetic tree which represents taxa or individuals.
phylogeny : reconstruction of evolutionary relationships using trees.
polyphyletic : taxonomic group that does not include the common ancestor; often erroneously groups due to homoplasy.
common ancestor : population found at a branching point, which gives rise to all descendent species.
phylogenetic tree : diagram representing the branching history of evolution.
branches : part of the phylogenetic tree depicting independently evolving lineages.
taxonomy : classifying names and organisms.
homologous : structures which evolved from the same feature in a common ancestor.