Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A phylogenetic tree is a diagrammatic representation that shows evolutionary relationships among organisms or groups of organisms. It illustrates patterns of descent based on shared ancestry and common traits.
Related terms
Clade: A clade is a group within a phylogenetic tree that includes an ancestor and all its descendants. Clades represent monophyletic groups, meaning they share a common ancestor.
Homologous Traits: Homologous traits are features shared by two or more organisms due to inheritance from their common ancestor. These traits may have undergone modifications over time but still retain some similarity.
Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits or characteristics due to living in similar environments. This can lead to analogous structures in different lineages.