Cladogram
In this project, we were given the task to make a cladogram to show the "evolution" of hardware pieces. A cladogram is a branching diagram showing the similarities and relationship between a number of species. In addition to our cladogram, we had to create our own taxonomy and classification of the hardware pieces. Taxonomy is the classification of organisms based on the similarities they share with other organisms. Along with the cladogram and the taxonomy, we also made a story on how the pieces evolved. We presented all three creations to the class. Our cladogram is pictured below:
Concepts and Terms
Evolution: the process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth
Natural Selection: the process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring
Cladogram: a branching diagram showing the similarities and relationship between a number of species
Taxonomy: the classification of organisms based on the similarities they share with other organisms
Species: a group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding
Speciation: the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution
Allopatric Speciation: speciation that occurs when biological populations of the same species become vicariant, or isolated from each other to an extent that prevents or interferes with genetic interchange
Sympatric Speciation: the process through which new species evolve from a single ancestral species while inhabiting the same geographic region
Adaptation: The process of becoming adjusted to new conditions
Survival of the Fittest: the continued existence of organisms that are best adapted to their environment, with the extinction of others
Organism: an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form
Natural Selection: the process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring
Cladogram: a branching diagram showing the similarities and relationship between a number of species
Taxonomy: the classification of organisms based on the similarities they share with other organisms
Species: a group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding
Speciation: the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution
Allopatric Speciation: speciation that occurs when biological populations of the same species become vicariant, or isolated from each other to an extent that prevents or interferes with genetic interchange
Sympatric Speciation: the process through which new species evolve from a single ancestral species while inhabiting the same geographic region
Adaptation: The process of becoming adjusted to new conditions
Survival of the Fittest: the continued existence of organisms that are best adapted to their environment, with the extinction of others
Organism: an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form
Reflection
This project was very interesting, but also very confusing. For example, my group was confused on what a cladogram was supposed to look like, so we kept messing up and had to restart multiple times. It was also a very long unit. In addition to the cladogram, we also had a bunch of mini-projects. While these projects gave us a better understanding about evolution, it kept taking away time from the main project which was the cladogram. Eventhough it took us a few tries, my group was able to complete the cladogram and the story and taxonomy. Our group seemed to work well together, but sometimes, some people worked harder than others, but we all pitched in equally to the story, which turned out to be a success. However, our group struggled to stay on task. We easily got distracted and would often not use the all the time we were given to work on the cladogram. Another thing I can work on is being more of a leader in my group. Instead of just doing what I am told to do, I want to come up with my own ideas and contribute to the project more. I liked my group a lot and I thought we turned in a great project. This unit was very interesting and gave me a better understanding on the evolution of organisms.