Final answer:
Felsenstein's 1985 method plots divergence on a phylogenetic tree, which is used to trace the evolutionary relationships and divergence of species including prokaryotes, from a common ancestor, often utilizing molecular clocks and genetic information for accuracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The method developed by Felsenstein in 1985 is known for plotting the divergence between sister species and is recognized as a phylogenetic tree. A phylogenetic tree is a diagram that shows evolutionary relationships among various biological species, highlighting how they have diverged from common ancestors over time. This concept aligns with Darwin's notion of speciation, where new species branch out from a single ancestral lineage. The divergence represented in a phylogenetic tree embodies both genetic and physical traits, and can be refined to infer the evolution of species, including prokaryotes, through methods such as molecular clocks.
To refine molecular clocks for inferring the evolution of prokaryotes, researchers can compare sequences of conserved proteins to determine mutation rates. This comparison yields a "molecular time" which, when aligned with fossil records, helps estimate the divergence times of species. For prokaryotes, which can have scarce fossil records, establishing robust mutation rates and employing sophisticated models to account for varying rates across different lineages can significantly enhance the accuracy of molecular clocks, enabling a more precise estimation of their evolutionary timelines.
Divergent evolution is a significant aspect of such phylogenetic analysis, where two species evolve different characteristics despite sharing a common ancestor. This understanding aids in mapping out the diversification of life on Earth and can be particularly helpful in elucidating the speciation events that lead to the rich variety of prokaryotic life forms.