Animal Phylogenetic Tree Portfolio

Answer 1

1. Mammals:
- Show the evolution of mammals from their common ancestor, including major groups such as primates, cetaceans, and rodents.
- Highlight key adaptations that have allowed mammals to thrive in diverse environments, such as hair for insulation and milk production for nourishing young.

2. Birds:
- Illustrate the evolutionary relationships among birds, including the transition from non-avian dinosaurs to modern bird species.
- Discuss the unique features of birds, such as feathers for flight and beaks for specialized feeding.

3. Reptiles:
- Trace the evolutionary history of reptiles and their closest relatives, including turtles, lizards, snakes, and crocodilians.
- Explain how reptiles have adapted to various habitats, such as deserts, forests, and aquatic environments.

4. Amphibians:
- Explore the origins of amphibians and their transition from water to land, including groups like frogs, salamanders, and caecilians.
- Discuss the challenges amphibians face due to habitat destruction and climate change.

5. Fish:
- Examine the diverse evolutionary history of fish, from jawless species like lampreys to bony fish like salmon and tuna.
- Highlight the various adaptations that have allowed fish to inhabit a wide range of aquatic environments, from freshwater streams to the deep ocean.