Reflect on the Portfolio

Question

Review the following item and make sure you are ready to turn it in.

Animal Phylogenetic Tree Portfolio Worksheet

Use the rubric to ensure you are meeting all the goals of the portfolio.

Animal Phylogenetic Tree Portfolio Rubric

After completing the portfolio, discuss the following reflection questions with your Learning Coach.

What features were the most difficult to place in a cladogram? Why?
Do you think your answer is the only right answer? Explain.
Give an example of a piece of new evidence that would change your cladogram.

Animal Phylogenetic Tree Portfolio Rubric
Use this rubric as a guide in taking on the role of evolutionary biologist to study an imaginary alien species. You will apply your knowledge of evolution and model the lineage of this alien species in order to create characteristic tables and cladograms. This rubric lists criteria for each section of the lab report.
Characteristic Table 1 (4 points)
_____ The table accurately represents characteristics of species of Xenite. (2 points)
_____ All characteristics are included in the table. (2 points)
Teacher Comments:

Cladogram 1 (5 points)
_____The table of characteristics was accurately translated to the cladogram. (2 points)
_____ The Cladogram includes correct labels. (1 point)
_____ The design of the cladogram supports the sequential order of species of Xenite. (2 points)
Teacher Comments:

Characteristic Table 2 (2 points)
_____ The updated table correctly incorporates the new species of Xenite. (2 points)
Teacher Comments:



Cladogram 2 (5 points)
_____ The updated table of characteristics was accurately translated to the updated cladogram. (2 points)
_____ The Cladogram includes correct labels. (1 point)
_____ The design of the cladogram supports the sequential order of species of Xenite. (2 points)


Teacher Comments:


Explanations (4 points)
_____The explanation for the creation process of the updated cladogram is complete and accurate. (1 point)
_____Derived characteristics are correctly identified as homologies or analogies. (1 point)
_____The explanations for evolutionary history of the organisms shown by your tree are valid. (1 point)
_____The explanation for how you used new evidence to revise your cladogram is valid. (1 point)
Teacher Comments:

Total Points (___/20)

Answer 1

Animal Phylogenetic Tree Portfolio Reflection

Reflection Questions:

1. What features were the most difficult to place in a cladogram? Why?

   • The most challenging features to place in the cladogram were those that had both homologous and analogous traits, as this can lead to confusion about evolutionary relationships. Traits that evolved independently due to convergent evolution (analogous traits) can easily mislead the placement of species. For instance, if two species have similar adaptations due to similar environmental pressures rather than common ancestry, it complicates their placement in the tree.

2. Do you think your answer is the only right answer? Explain.

   • I don't believe my answer is the only right one. The classification of features in a cladogram can often be subjective and depend on the interpretation of evidence. Different scientists may emphasize different characteristics or adopt varying methods to analyze traits. New discoveries or additional evidence can influence these interpretations, so multiple valid cladograms could exist based on the same species, reflecting different evolutionary hypotheses.

3. Give an example of a piece of new evidence that would change your cladogram.

   • An example of new evidence that could change my cladogram would be the discovery of molecular data indicating a closer genetic relationship between two species previously thought to be distantly related. For instance, if DNA sequencing revealed that two Xenite species shared a more recent common ancestor that was not evident from their morphological traits, I would need to revise the cladogram to reflect this closer evolutionary relationship, potentially changing their branching pattern on the tree.

Final Steps for Submission:

To ensure the submission meets all requirements, check each section against the rubric:

• Characteristic Table 1: Ensure all species and characteristics are present and accurately represented.
• Cladogram 1: Confirm that all labels are correct and that the design reflects the correct sequential order based on the characteristics.
• Characteristic Table 2: Check that the new species is included and correctly represented.
• Cladogram 2: Validate that it accurately translates the updated characteristics and that labels are correct.
• Explanations: Review for completeness and accuracy in describing the creation process, identifying derived characteristics, and explaining evolutionary history.

Final Comments:

Review the teacher's comments on previous sections to make any necessary adjustments before submission. Ensure that each part of the rubric is thoroughly addressed and that the portfolio reflects a comprehensive understanding of phylogenetic trees and the evolutionary relationships of the species studied. Once everything is cross-checked and complete, the portfolio will be ready for submission.