Evolutionary Tree - GCSE Biology Definition

An evolutionary tree, also known as a phylogenetic tree, is a diagram that shows how different species are related through evolution. It looks like a tree with branches, where each branch point represents a common ancestor shared by the species that come from that branch. The tips of the branches represent the species we see today or extinct species that once lived. By studying evolutionary trees, scientists can understand how species have changed over time and how closely related different species are to each other. This helps us learn more about the history of life on Earth.