Understanding phylogenies (2 of 4)
When a lineage splits (speciation), it is represented as branching on a phylogeny. When a speciation event occurs, a single ancestral lineage gives rise to two or more daughter lineages.
Understanding phylogenies (3 of 4)
Phylogenies trace patterns of shared ancestry between lineages. Each lineage has a part of its history that is unique to it alone and parts that are shared with other lineages.
Understanding phylogenies (4 of 4)
Similarly, each lineage has ancestors that are unique to that lineage and ancestors that are shared with other lineages common ancestors.