DRAW IT Use the letters a–d to label where on the phylogenetic tree each of the following derived characters appears. a. flowers b. embryos c. seeds d. vascular tissue

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the common ancestor on the phylogenetic tree where each derived character first appears. Derived characters are traits that appear in later organisms but not in earlier ones.
2. Label the point on the phylogenetic tree where 'flowers' first appear among the descendants. This is typically where angiosperms branch off.
3. Find and label the point on the phylogenetic tree where 'embryos' first appear. This trait is characteristic of all embryophytes, so it should be labeled at the common ancestor of all land plants.
4. Locate and label the point on the phylogenetic tree where 'seeds' first appear. This is a trait of seed plants (gymnosperms and angiosperms), so label where these groups diverge from other plants.
5. Identify and label the point on the phylogenetic tree where 'vascular tissue' first appears. This trait is found in all vascular plants, so it should be labeled at the common ancestor of ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms.

Key Concepts

Phylogenetic Tree

A phylogenetic tree is a diagram that represents the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on their genetic or physical characteristics. It illustrates how species diverged from common ancestors over time, with branches indicating lineage and nodes representing common ancestors. Understanding this structure is crucial for identifying where specific derived characters appear in the evolutionary history of organisms.

Derived Characters

Derived characters are traits that have evolved in a particular lineage and are not present in the ancestral form. These traits help in distinguishing different groups of organisms and are essential for constructing phylogenetic trees. In the context of the question, identifying where flowers, embryos, seeds, and vascular tissue appear on the tree requires understanding which of these traits are unique to certain groups.

Evolutionary Development

Evolutionary development, or evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), studies the relationship between the development of an organism and its evolutionary history. It examines how changes in developmental processes can lead to the emergence of new traits, such as flowers or seeds. This concept is important for placing derived characters on a phylogenetic tree, as it provides insight into how these traits evolved and their significance in the context of plant evolution.