Final answer:
Yes, a phylogenetic tree of vertebrates can be built based on shared derived characters, which are traits unique to a group that help determine its evolutionary relationships. These traits are critical for understanding the branching patterns and diversity within the vertebrate clade, and computers are often used to construct the most parsimonious phylogenetic trees.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, you can build a phylogenetic tree of vertebrates based on shared derived characters. Phylogenetic trees, also known as cladograms, are constructed using various characters that organisms have evolved. A shared derived character is a trait that evolved within a specific group and is unique to that group, helping to distinguish it from related groups and ancestors. An example of a shared derived character would be the amniotic egg, which is a defining feature of the Amniota clade, separating it from other vertebrates like fish and lampreys.
Phylogenetic trees are constructed to group organisms together based on their evolutionary relationships, which are indicated by homologous characteristics. Shared ancestral characters, on the other hand, do not provide information about relationships within a clade because all members possess that trait. Hence, evolutionary biologists place greater importance on shared derived traits when constructing phylogenetic trees, as these traits provide insights into the evolutionary pathways that have led to the current diversity within a clade.
The creation of a phylogenetic tree is often facilitated by computer programs that analyze shared derived characters to depict the evolutionary history of organisms. The cladistic approach considers both shared ancestral and shared derived characters to determine the most parsimonious tree, effectively illustrating the relationships among different species within the vertebrates.