Creating Phylogenetic Trees from DNA Sequences

Launch Interactive

Topic

Resource Type

Level

High School — General High School — AP/IB College

Favorited By

11 Users

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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)

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 (2015)

1.A.4, 1.B.2; SP1, SP5, SP6, SP7

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

Educator Tips

Hear how educators are using BioInteractive content in their teaching.

Educator in front of a screenshot of an interactive about phylogenetic trees

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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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