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CREATE-A-CLADOGRAM POSTER
Directions:
You are a scientist who has discovered a group of 8 new animal species, none of which have scientific
names as of yet. You are working with a group of other scientists in your field (your table groups) to
name these 8 species and show their relatedness to each other using their derived traits. You are
expected to present your results through a cladogram to researchers from other parts of the world (your
classmates) on a poster.
PHASE 1: Create your own DATA TABLE
EXAMPLE Data Table:
Shark
Species
Bullfrog
Kangaroo
Human
Characters
Vertebrae
X
X
X
X
Two Pairs of Limbs
X
X
X
Mammary Glands
X
X
Placenta
X
1. Create a list of at least 8 derived characters (traits) in the data table below.
2. Using those 8 characters, you will develop 8 hypothetical animals. Your animals will have different
numbers of those derived characters or traits. For each species, mark the data table with an X if
that species has that characteristic.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure that all 8 of your species share one character in common. Then make
sure 7 of your species have 7 characters in common. Six of your species should have 6 characters in
common and so on. (Refer to the Example Data Table above to see the pattern).
Your DATA TABLE:
Species
Derived
Characters
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
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PHASE 2: Create your own VENN DIAGRAM
Example VENN DIAGRAM
3.
Use the Venn diagram template below to transfer your characters from the data table and organize
your own Venn diagram. Start with the character that is shared by all the animals on the outside,
then make smaller circles inside the diagram, moving towards the character that is shared by the
least amount of animals. Inside each box, write the animals that have only that set of characters.
(See example above).
Your VENN DIAGRAM:
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PHASE 3: Create your own CLADOGRAM
Example CLADOGRAM:
4. Transfer your Venn diagram into the cladogram template below and share it with the teacher (see
example above). When approved, copy your cladogram onto a larger piece of paper to create your
poster.
Your CLADOGRAM:
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