Question

2. Explain in your own words the differences between classical and molecular characteristics used in classifying organisms. Be sure you can provide several examples of both and describe the advantages, disadvantages/limitations associated with each type of characteristic. 3. Address the following information related to phylogenetic trees: a. Explain the purpose of phylogenetic trees and what information they convey. b. Outline the considerations used in building a phylogenetic tree and explain the significance of tree features such as nodes and branches and scale. c. Describe the challenges horizontal gene transfer introduces in the study of microbial evolution.

Answer 1

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Answer 2:

Taxonomy is the branch of science that deals with the classification of organisms. Carolus Linnaeus is considered as the Father of taxonomy. Initially, biological classification was based only on phenotypes and physical attributes. But with the advancement of genetic tools, molecular taxonomy also came into existence which improved our understanding of biological classification of organisms.

Classical Taxonomy	Molecular Taxonomy
It is based on the physical attributes of the organisms.	It is based on the genetic makeup of the organisms.
Organisms having similar physical and physiological attributes are grouped together.	Organisms having similar genetic makeup, meaning they have major similarity in their genomes are grouped together.
Example of classical classification is vertebrates and invertebrates.	Example of molecular classification is phylogenetic tree.
Advantage: It gives practical differentiability between organisms. For example, we can easily differentiate arthropods with their characteristic 8 legged feature.	Advantage: It is highly precise and gives exact relationship with ancestors. For example, H1N1 and H7N9 are all evolved from influenza virus.
Disadvantage: It is not precise and has many exceptions. For example, there is no proper classification between archaebacteria and eubacteria.	Disadvantage: A huge database is needed to make such precise and accurate classification.