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Phylogeny

Phylogeny

Phylogeny is concerned with the evolutionary diversification of organisms or groups of organisms. A group of organisms with a name is called a taxon (singular). Taxa (plural) can span different levels of the evolutionary hierarchy. For instance, the group containing all birds is a taxon (comprising the class Aves), and the group of all species of daisies (the genus Bellis) is a taxon. Phylogenies can likewise include just one genus (i.e., depict species relationships) or span an entire kingdom.

Convergent Evolution

Convergent Evolution

Evolution shapes the features of organisms over time, ensuring that they are suited for the environments in which they live. Sometimes, selection pressure leads to the rise of similar but unrelated adaptations in organisms with no recent common ancestors, a process known as convergent evolution.

Phylogenetic Trees

Phylogenetic Trees

Phylogenetic trees come in many forms. It matters in which sequence the organisms are arranged from the bottom to the top of the tree, but the branches can rotate at their nodes without altering the information. The lines connecting individual nodes can be straight, angled, or even curved.

Phylogenetic Trees

Phylogenetic Trees

The Evidence for Evolution

The Evidence for Evolution

Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.

What is Evolutionary History?

What is Evolutionary History?

Scientists record evolutionary history by analyzing fossil, morphological, and genetic data. The fossil record documents the history of life on Earth and provides evidence for evolution. However, both fossil and living organisms offer evidence that outlines Earth’s evolutionary history.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 20, 2026

A Practical Guide to Phylogenetics for Nonexperts

A Practical Guide to Phylogenetics for Nonexperts

Published on: February 5, 2014

Animal Evolution: Are Phyla Real?

Andreas Hejnol¹, Casey W Dunn²

¹Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, 5008 Bergen, Norway.

Current Biology : CB

|May 25, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

A study on animal gene expression across distant species aimed to justify phyla, but methodological flaws challenge its conclusions. Further research is needed to validate these evolutionary insights.

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Area of Science:

Developmental biology
Evolutionary biology
Genomics

Background:

Comparative gene expression studies are crucial for understanding evolutionary relationships.
The concept of phyla represents a fundamental level of animal body plan organization.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate a recent study that used developmental gene expression to biologically justify animal phyla.
To critically assess the methodologies and interpretations presented in the comparative gene expression study.

Main Methods:

Analysis of developmental gene expression patterns in distantly related animal species.
Review and critique of the study's experimental design and data interpretation.

Main Results:

The study's conclusion that developmental gene expression provides biological justification for phyla is questioned.
Identified several significant issues in the study's design and interpretation.

Conclusions:

The findings of the comparative gene expression study require re-evaluation due to methodological concerns.
The biological justification for phyla based on this specific gene expression analysis remains unsubstantiated.