Phylogenetics Crossword Puzzle

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.