Evolutionary trees, also known as phylogenetic trees, are diagrams that illustrate the evolutionary relationships among various species. They show how different organisms are related through common ancestors, helping scientists understand the history of life on Earth. Each branch represents a lineage, while the points where branches split indicate common ancestors.
These trees are constructed using data from various sources, including genetic information and fossil records. By analyzing similarities and differences among species, researchers can trace the paths of evolution and identify how traits have changed over time. This process is essential for studying biodiversity and the mechanisms of evolution.