Life: The Science of Biology 11th Edition

Published by W. H. Freeman
ISBN 10: 1-31901-016-4
ISBN 13: 978-1-31901-016-4

Chapter 21 - Reconstructing and Using Phylogenies - 21.3 - Phylogeny Makes Biology Comparative and Predictive - 21.3 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 461: 1

Answer

Phylogenetic trees can reveal how many times a certain trait has evolved by displaying conversantly evolved characteristics as well as the shared ancestors of the organisms in question. For example, convergent evolution is at play when two similar traits are observed in two organisms or groups, but not their common ancestor.

Work Step by Step

Phylogenetic trees can reveal how many times a certain trait has evolved by displaying conversantly evolved characteristics as well as the shared ancestors of the organisms in question. For example, convergent evolution is at play when two similar traits are observed in two organisms or groups, but not their common ancestor.
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