Labs / Biology
Build a Family Tree
Every branch point unites species by a shared derived trait — a feature they inherited from a common ancestor no other creature has. Drag the species up and down to nest them, and the tool counts how many times each trait had to evolve. The best family tree is the one that needs the fewest changes.
changes 0fewest 0clades 0best? no
What to try
- Can you rearrange the branches until the “fewest” number and your “changes” number match? What order puts them there?
- Which trait unites the most species — and which unites just one? Where do those marks land on the tree?
- Turn off “warm-blooded.” Does the best tree change? Why might a trait that evolved twice mislead you?
- Sparrows have feathers and mice have hair, yet both are warm-blooded. Should that shared warmth make them closest cousins?
- Switch off every trait but one. How much can a single character tell you about the whole tree of life?