Final answer:
Evolution describes the change in a population's genetic makeup over time, with evidence from homologous structures, genetics, and morphology. Phylogenetic trees and cladograms graphically represent evolutionary history, showing common ancestry and derived traits among species.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Evolution and Phylogenetic Trees
Evolution is the process that results in changes in the genetic makeup of a population over time, driven by mechanisms such as natural selection, mutation, and gene flow. These changes are the core of evolutionary change and can be random processes that cause populations to evolve.
Evidence that infers evolutionary relationships includes morphological similarities, genetic information, and observed development patterns in different species. Homologous structures, which are features that organisms share due to common ancestry, provide strong evidence of these relationships.
A phylogenetic tree or cladogram is a graphical representation that depicts the lineage of species or groups and their common ancestors. These trees can represent traits, like the number of heart chambers in animals, and are useful tools for testing evolutionary hypotheses.