Final answer:
The matrix provides information about the degree of distance or similarity among taxa, helping to determine relationships and classifications in biology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The matrix can provide information about the degree of distance or similarity among taxa. This is important in understanding the relationships and classifications of different species. The matrix can be used to compare genetic data such as DNA sequences or morphological data to determine the level of similarity between taxa.
For example, if two species have a high percentage of bases in the same locations in their DNA code, they may appear closely related. However, the matrix can help identify if this similarity is due to random chance or if the species are actually closely related.
By analyzing the matrix, scientists can determine the phylogenetic relationships and construct phylogenetic trees, which show the evolutionary history of taxa over time.