Genetics is really important for understanding the Tree of Life. This is a way to organize all living things based on how they are related to each other through evolution. Genetics helps us see how species change over time.
DNA and Evolution: Every living thing has DNA, which is like a instruction manual for how it grows and works. Sometimes, tiny changes, called mutations, happen in this DNA. These changes can lead to different traits within a species. For example, the Galápagos finches have beaks that are shaped differently depending on the types of food they eat. This shows how genetics can change physical traits.
Common Ancestry: Scientists look at genetic similarities to find common ancestors. By comparing DNA, we can see how closely related different species are. For example, humans share about 98% of their DNA with chimpanzees. This tells us that we are very closely related in evolutionary terms.
Classification: Genetics helps us put living things into groups. This makes it easier to understand the many kinds of life on Earth. It also helps us see how different species interact with each other and change in their environments.
Genetics is really important for understanding the Tree of Life. This is a way to organize all living things based on how they are related to each other through evolution. Genetics helps us see how species change over time.
DNA and Evolution: Every living thing has DNA, which is like a instruction manual for how it grows and works. Sometimes, tiny changes, called mutations, happen in this DNA. These changes can lead to different traits within a species. For example, the Galápagos finches have beaks that are shaped differently depending on the types of food they eat. This shows how genetics can change physical traits.
Common Ancestry: Scientists look at genetic similarities to find common ancestors. By comparing DNA, we can see how closely related different species are. For example, humans share about 98% of their DNA with chimpanzees. This tells us that we are very closely related in evolutionary terms.
Classification: Genetics helps us put living things into groups. This makes it easier to understand the many kinds of life on Earth. It also helps us see how different species interact with each other and change in their environments.