ANT203H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Symplesiomorphy, Ingroups And Outgroups, Synapomorphy
Document Summary
Used to illustrate hypothesized relationships between different species. Does not imply some organisms are more advanced than others. Ingroup: the group of taxa that is the focus of study. Outgroup: a taxon that is used to determine which of two homologous characteristics may be inferred to be derived. Convergent evolution: it is the process whereby unrelated organisms independently evolve similar traits traits. Evolution produces patterns that are like, not ladder like. While we read left to right this does not imply progression or some sort of order. We could switch things around and have it mean the same thing. Allows us to understand evolutionary relationships between species. Process to help find vaccines involves phylogenetics to see the viruses and closely related strains and the traits that identify them traits that identify them. Humans did not evolve from chimps, we shared a common ancestor.
