1.3 Evidence Used to Build Phylogenetic Trees

Phylogenetic relationships are reconstructed using multiple types of evidence, including:

  • morphological traits (body structure and form),
  • fossil records,
  • genetic and molecular data,
  • developmental and behavioral characteristics.

To support understanding of how these different data sources are combined, students may explore a short educational video (see below) that visually explains how scientists build phylogenetic trees using real evidence. This multimedia resource helps clarify abstract concepts and prepares learners for the practical construction of evolutionary relationships in the Execute phase.

Combining these data sources allows scientists to build more accurate and reliable evolutionary models.

After observing how scientists use evidence to construct phylogenetic trees, students apply the same principles by analyzing traits and building their own evolutionary models using Augmented Reality.