Molecular Phylogeny Predicts Biology

Listen to Dr. Baldomero Olivera describe construction of a phylogenetic tree and the ways organisms group together on the tree. (2:10)

Listen to Dr. Baldomero Olivera describe construction of a phylogenetic tree and the ways organisms group together on the tree. (2:10)

• Phylogenetic trees made using DNA sequences are usually very similar to trees made using other evidence, such as comparative anatomy.
• In this way, trees can be predictive of traits shared by organisms.
• Trees can also help clear up ambiguities or uncertainties generated by other methods, such as comparative anatomy.