Derived Traits Vs Beloved Species

214 Words1 Page

Traits that are derived are the only traits that are important to understanding the evolutionary history of primate groups and species. This is due to the fact that derived traits are traits that have just appeared. These traits are the first to appear in an organism. Derived traits differ from the ancestral trait. The difference in traits allows scientists to pinpoint exactly when a species began to evolve. Furthermore, derived traits are of immense importance when configuring phylogenetic trees. By looking at derived traits on a phylogenetic tree one can see how different primate species and groups evolved from their common ancestors. Scientists are able to determine which groups evolved and maintained or developed similar traits, and which

Open Document