Constructing a Cladogram

Objective: Students will construct a cladogram using descriptions and information about 7 imaginary animals. Students will determine which traits are derived traits, and identify synapomorphy and automorphy of characteristics.

Tips for constructing your cladogram

1. Use the times to determine the positioning of the species. Older organisms will appear first on the cladogram

2. Determine features that are shared among organisms - these are synapomorphies - Place an S on these features to help you keep track

3. Determine features that are unique to organisms - these are automorphies - Place an A on these features

4. There may be several ways to represent this cladogram, remember that cladistics and systematics is inexact, do not worry if yours looks different from others.

Fossil Species

Species 1 - Fossils of this species date back to 30,000 years ago. The organism has a single antenna that is branched (like a Y). It has two eyes positioned on top of the head a non segmented body

species1

Species 2 - Fossils of this species date back to 8,000 years ago. This organism has branched antennae, 3 body segments, the middle segment has fleshy appendages with a bendable joint.

species2

Species 3 - Fossils of this species date back to 25,000 years ago. The organism has a branched antenna (like a Y), body is divided into 2 segments, and eyes positioned on the top of the head. In addition, the last segment of the body has a long curley tail.

species 3

Species 4 - Fossils of this species date back to 10,000 years ago. This organism has branched antennae, 2 body segments, eyes positioned on the top of the head, fleshy appendages on the last segment have a bendable joint

species5.

Species 5 - Fossils of this species date back to 50,000 years ago. The organism has a single antennae, two eyes positioned on top of a head and a non segmented body.

species5

Species 6 - Fossils of this species date back to 20,000 years ago. This organism has branched antennae, 2 body segments, eyes positioned on the top of the head, and small flesh appendages on the last segment. This organism also has a ridge of spines on the last segment.

species6

Species 7 - Fossils of this species date back to 31,000 years ago. The organism has a single branched antennae (like a Y) and a club like structure at the end of the branches of the antennae. It has two eyes positioned on top of the head and a non segmented body.

species7

 


Other Resources on Cladograms

Exploring Phylogenetic Trees with Wolves - compare dogs, wolves, and coyotes and analyze a phylogenetic tree of canids

Practice with Taxonomy and Classification:   reinforcement activity, focuses on kingdoms and scientific names

Bear Species and DNA - activity from Learn.Genetics explores relationships between different types of bears

Fingerprint Classification - look at fingerprints and develop a way to classify them

Taxonomy Project - students create their own kingdoms, phyla and other group classification and then design organisms

Create a Cladogram of Shapes - Use simple shapes, like triangle and square to model evolution