======Phylogenetic game======


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**Alternative titles:** Evolutionary Tree Building Activity
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====Summary====                   
{{$demo.summary}}



====Procedure====  
  *See resources in the Links below.



====Links==== 

📄 TreeTOPS – a phylogeny icebreaker game - EMBL: [[https://www.embl.org/ells/teachingbase/treetops/#vf-tabs__section-a6116520-2467-4baa-9642-dd516aeae3e0]]\\


====Variations====
  * Use a collaborative worksheet where groups sort traits and draw their own phylogenetic tree.  
  * Add DNA sequence comparisons to make the activity more advanced.  
  * Use animals, plants, or imaginary “alien” organisms for different teaching goals.  
  * Introduce convergent evolution cases to challenge assumptions about similarity.



====Safety Precautions====
  *None




====Questions to Consider====
  * What is a common ancestor, and why is it important in phylogenetics? (A species from which later species evolved; it helps explain shared traits.)  
  * Why do some organisms share traits but not belong to the same closest branch? (They may have evolved similar traits through convergent evolution.)  
  * How do molecular data (DNA/proteins) improve tree accuracy compared to just physical traits? (They reveal hidden similarities/differences not visible in morphology.)  
  * What does the branching point (node) on a phylogenetic tree represent? (A common ancestor of two or more lineages.)  
  * Why might scientists disagree on phylogenetic trees? (Data can be interpreted differently, or new evidence may change previous assumptions.)