Introductory video: Watch the video to learn some tree basic…

Introductory video: Watch the video to learn some tree basics and to get an overview for how the Build A Tree game works. Each level tasks you with building a phylogenetic tree—a small piece of the overall tree of life. A phylogenetic tree is a model of evolutionary relationships. Before you start the first level, “Red, green, and gecko,” use the tree below and the information in the introductory video to answer the next questions. Which way does time run on this tree?

One fish, two fish, red fish, lungfish: For a long time, sci…

One fish, two fish, red fish, lungfish: For a long time, scientists though that coelacanths were the closest living relatives to amphibians. Coelacanths have big fleshy fins and hinged jaws, two traits they share with fossils of ancestral amphibians. When they went to analyze the DNA, however, they got a surprise. Take a look at the data yourself and see what you come up with. We will finish this assignment with the next 3 questions and not do the remaining missions. The DNA evidence supports the hypothesis that the coelacanth is the closest living relative to amphibians, such as frogs.