Morphological Phylogenetics

Morphological phylogenetics is a method used to understand the evolutionary relationships between different species based on their physical features and structures. Scientists examine traits like bones, leaves, or body parts to identify similarities and differences. By comparing these traits across species, they can infer common ancestors and build a “family tree” that shows how species are related. This approach helps scientists trace the evolution of life forms and understand how specific features have changed over time. It’s an important tool, especially when genetic data is unavailable, offering insights into the history of life on Earth.