Question

where in a phylogenetic tree would you expect to find the organism that had evolved most recently?

Answer 1

In a phylogenetic tree, the organism that has evolved most recently would be located at the tip or terminal node of a branch. The tips of the branches represent the individual species or taxa being analyzed. The closer a species is to the tips, the more recent its evolutionary divergence from a common ancestor.

As you move towards the tips of the branches, you are moving towards the present time in the evolutionary history. The tips represent the currently existing species or taxa, including the organisms that have undergone the most recent evolutionary changes.

It is important to note that the placement of a species at the tip of a branch does not necessarily imply that it is the most advanced or superior in any way. Evolutionary changes occur in response to various factors, such as environmental pressures, genetic variations, and reproductive success. Each species on the phylogenetic tree represents a unique evolutionary lineage with its own set of adaptations and characteristics.