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Creating Phylogenetic Trees from DNA Sequences

Launch Interactive
Phylogenetic tree of cone snails
Topic
  • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
  • DNA & RNA
  • Biotechnology
  • Evolution
  • Phylogeny
Resource Type
  • Interactive Media
  • Click & Learn
Level
High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Used In
1 BioInteractive Playlists
Favorited By
37 Users
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View in Spanish
Description

This interactive module shows how DNA sequences can be used to infer evolutionary relationships among organisms and represent them as phylogenetic trees.

Phylogenetic trees are diagrams of evolutionary relationships among organisms. Scientists can estimate these relationships by studying the organisms’ DNA sequences. As the organisms evolve and diverge, their DNA sequences accumulate mutations. Scientists compare these mutations using sequence alignments to reconstruct evolutionary history.

The accompanying “Worksheet” guides students’ exploration of the Click & Learn.

Student Learning Targets
  • Explain how molecular sequences, such as DNA, can be used to study evolutionary relationships.
  • Summarize the process and goals of DNA sequence alignment. 
  • Interpret a simple phylogenetic tree.
     
Details
Estimated Time
One 50-minute class period.
Key Terms

bioinformatics, DNA sequencing, evolutionary tree, indel, molecular phylogeny, mutation, sequence alignment, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level

This resource complies with accessibility standards in accordance with the final rule for Section 508 of the National Rehabilitation Act.
Version History
Date Published 02.27.11
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

HS-LS4-1; SEP2, SEP4, SEP6

AP Biology (2019)

EVO-1.N, EVO-3.B, EVO-3.C, IST-4.A; SP1, SP2, SP6

IB Biology (2016)

5.1, 5.4, B.5

AP Environmental Science (2013)

II.C

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

3.2

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9–12.7, ELA.RST.9–12.9

Vision and Change (2009)

CC1; DP1, DP3

Materials
Worksheet (PDF) 411 KB
Worksheet - Español (PDF) 202 KB

Educator Tips

Hear how educators are using BioInteractive content in their teaching.
Educator in front of a screenshot of an interactive about phylogenetic trees Play Video Next Slide Next Slide
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1-Minute Tips
Phylogenetic Trees Click and Learn
Paul Strode describes the BioInteractive Click & Learn activity on DNA sequencing and phylogenetic trees. He explains how it teaches students about DNA sequence alignment, and how those sequence differences allow researchers to determine relationships between species.
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