Phylogeny is the representation of the evolutionary history and relationships between groups of

organisms. The results are represented in a phylogenetic tree that provides a visual output of
relationships based on shared or divergent physical and genetic characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis is
dependent on the type of data inputted, the number of species and the range of evolutionary
relationships interpreted. Many biologists agree that a phylogenetic tree of relationships should be the
central underpinning of research in many areas of biology. Comparisons of species or gene sequences in
a phylogenetic context can provide the most meaningful insights into biology.

Phylogeny is a useful tool for taxonomists because it can be used to investigate evolutionary
development. Taxonomy led to the study of phylogeny through the framework of dividing organisms
into a hierarchy of taxonomic categories such as family, genus and species. Both taxonomy and
phylogeny require the comparison of characteristics between organisms, with studies first utilizing
morphological features and then progressing to molecular data.

Phylogenetic approaches require large datasets analyzed through rigorous mathematical modeling.
Molecular data can produce a larger number of characteristics in comparison to morphological features.
The simple conversion of molecular information to numerical form means that this type of data is
particularly suitable for phylogenetic analysis.

Phylogeny can also be used to estimate the duration of speciation, explaining how long it takes a new
species to form and the factors influencing this time span. A single species is defined within the model as
a complex of all lineages that have not yet been separated by a speciation-completion event. The
protracted speciation model can explain reduced rates of lineage accumulation through time and the
analysis of phylogenies, combined with the protracted speciation model, produces a novel approach to
the estimation of speciation duration.

Phylogenies are useful for organizing knowledge of biological diversity, for structuring classifications,
and for providing insight into events that occurred during evolution. Furthermore, because this show
descent from a common ancestor, and because much of the strongest evidence for evolution comes in
the form of common ancestry, one must understand phylogenies in order to fully appreciate the
overwhelming evidence supporting the theory of evolution.