Cladogram Analysis Worksheet
This worksheet focuses on understanding and interpreting cladograms, including identifying common ancestors, derived characteristics, and evolutionary relationships among organisms.
Includes
Standards
Topics
Cladogram Analysis
Name:
Date:
Score:
Carefully read each question and analyze the provided cladogram to determine the correct answer. Write your responses in the space provided.
Use the cladogram below to answer questions 1-4.
1. Which organisms on the cladogram possess jaws?
2. What is the derived characteristic that separates mammals from amphibians?
3. Which two groups are most closely related on this cladogram?
4. Identify the common ancestor of mammals and birds.
5. A cladogram shows the evolutionary history of a group of organisms.
True
False
6. A shared derived characteristic is also known as a .
7. The point where two lineages diverge on a cladogram represents a .
8. What does a node on a cladogram represent?
A common ancestor
A derived characteristic
An unrelated species
An extinct organism