What does a phylogenetic tree depict?

A phylogenetic tree is a diagram that illustrates the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on their shared ancestry. It is constructed using data from genetic, morphological, or behavioral characteristics, enabling scientists to infer how different species are related through common descent.

The branches of the tree represent evolutionary lineages, while the points where branches diverge indicate common ancestors. This approach allows researchers to visualize how different organisms have evolved over time and how closely related they are to one another within the tree of life.

Understanding evolutionary relationships is crucial in fields such as taxonomy, ecology, and conservation biology, as it helps scientists assess biodiversity and trace the evolution of various traits and behaviors across different species.