You have returned to college to become a phylogeneticist. One of the first things you wish to do is determine how mammals, birds, and reptiles are related.
Like any good scientist, you need to consider all available data objectively and without a preconceived “correct” answer. In pursuit of that, you should produce a phylogenetic tree based only on morphological features that show birds and mammals are more closely related. You will then produce a totally different tree, also using morphological features, that shows birds and reptiles are more closely related. Do not forget to include all three groups in both your trees.
Based solely off the trees you produce, which relationship would you consider the more likely and why? Once you have answered that question, provide a brief summary of the “modern” understanding of the relationship between these three groups.
Rubric: Morphological Phylogenetics
Criteria
Ratings
Pts
Mammalian/avian tree is provided
Tree includes full relationship with all 3 groups sharing multiple characteristics until the mammal/bird split from reptiles
Tree includes relationships between all 3 groups on a minimal number of features
Tree does not include all 3 groups
3 pts
Reptilian/avian tree is provided
Tree includes full relationship with all 3 groups sharing multiple characteristics until the reptile/bird split from mammals
Tree includes relationships between all 3 groups on a minimal number of features
Tree does not include all 3 groups
3 pts
One tree is identified as most likely
Discussion outlines multiple features for the “chosen” tree
Discussion outlines at least 1 reason for the chosen tree
Discussion does not use the trees to argue for a closer relationship
3 pts
Modern understanding is discussed
At least 2 pieces of modern evidence (not only morphological) is discussed
Modern evidence is discussed
Modern evidence is not discussed or the current relationships are not properly identified
3 pts
Total points: 12
Due Date
Oct 23, 2022 11:59 PM
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Rubric Name: Morphological Phylogenetics
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Criteria
Level 3
3 points
Level 2
2 points
Level 1
1 point
Criterion Score
Mammalian/avian tree is provided
Tree includes full relationship with all 3 groups sharing multiple characteristics until the mammal/bird split from reptiles
Tree includes relationships between all 3 groups on a minimal number of features
Tree does not include all 3 groups
Score of Mammalian/avian tree is provided,
/ 3
Reptilian/avian tree is provided
Tree includes full relationship with all 3 groups sharing multiple characteristics until the reptile/bird split from mammals
Tree includes relationships between all 3 groups on a minimal number of features
Tree does not include all 3 groups
Score of Reptilian/avian tree is provided,
/ 3
One tree is identified as most likely
Discussion outlines multiple features for the “chosen” tree
Discussion outlines at least 1 reason for the chosen tree
Discussion does not use the trees to argue for a closer relationship
Score of One tree is identified as most likely,
/ 3
Modern understanding is discussed
At least 2 pieces of modern evidence (not only morphological) is discussed
Modern evidence is discussed
Modern evidence is not discussed or the current relationships are not properly identified
Score of Modern understanding is discussed,
/ 3
Total
Score of Morphological Phylogenetics,
/ 12
