Question

when looking at the phylogeny of the whales what was the most important thing to find? so how do we find that best tree? how do we evaluate confidence in a tree?

Answer 1

The most important thing to find in the phylogeny of whales is an accurate phylogenetic tree that represents their evolutionary relationships. Scientists use cladistics to construct these trees and evaluate confidence by examining supporting evidence.

Step-by-step explanation:

When looking at the phylogeny of whales, the most important thing to find is a phylogenetic tree that accurately represents the evolutionary relationships between whale species and their common ancestors. To find the best tree, scientists use a method called cladistics, which sorts organisms into clades based on their closest relatives. The best tree is the one that requires the fewest number of character changes or reversals. Confidence in a tree can be evaluated by examining the amount and quality of supporting evidence, such as DNA analysis, fossils, and anatomical traits.