Sister taxa

Definition

Sister taxa are groups of organisms that share an immediate common ancestor and are each other's closest relatives. They appear as adjacent branches on a phylogenetic tree.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sister taxa arise from a single node on a phylogenetic tree.
2. They provide insights into the evolutionary relationships between different species.
3. Sister taxa can help identify traits inherited from a common ancestor.
4. Determining sister taxa is essential for understanding the diversification of life forms.
5. The concept is crucial for constructing accurate and meaningful phylogenetic trees.

Review Questions

• What do sister taxa indicate in terms of evolutionary relationships?
• How are sister taxa represented on a phylogenetic tree?
• Why are sister taxa important for understanding the diversity of life?

Related terms

Phylogenetic Tree: A diagram that represents evolutionary relationships among organisms.

Common Ancestor: An ancestral species from which two or more descendant species evolved.

Cladistics: A method of classifying species based on their evolutionary ancestry and shared characteristics.