GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

622 videos | 38 hours

Evolutionary Trees

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Inheritance, Variation and Evolution Classification of Living Organisms

Evolutionary Trees

2:44 Developing Classification Systems
Spec 4.6.4
Previous The Three-Domain System Next Relative Formula Mass
  • Evolutionary trees are diagrams representing relationships between organisms.
  • These trees are constructed using data from DNA analysis and fossil records.
  • Evolutionary trees are similar to family trees in their formation.
  • The fossil record is crucial in showing the extent of change in organisms over time.
  • Tips of evolutionary trees represent different species.
  • Common ancestors are located at points where two branches join.
  • Example: Last common ancestor of chimpanzees and bonobos split around 1.5 to 2 million years ago.
  • Humans split from the ancestors of chimps and bonobos more than 4 million years ago.
  • Gorillas are more distantly related to chimpanzees and bonobos than humans are.
  • Diagrams can help identify the most recent common ancestors and the least closely related species.
  • Example involving tree finches: Most recent common ancestor is at the junction that connects all tree finches.
  • To find the least closely related species, trace back to the first branching point.
  • Vegetarian finch is less closely related compared to other finches like the mangrove and woodpecker finch, based on the branching point.
  • Understanding evolutionary trees involves interpreting the connections and branches to deduce relationships and common ancestors.

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