What is a Cladogram?

​(Key)
Student worksheet available at
https://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/cladogram_animals.html
A ​cladogram​ is a diagram that shows relationships between
species. These relationships are based on observable physical
characteristics. Cladograms show the relationships in a graphic
that looks like a tree, with branches connected to a common
ancestry. Each branch represents a new distinct trait that was
not seen in the group lower on the tree. These distinct traits are
called derived characteristics.

The groups on the diagram are organized into clades, each

clade shares distinct traits. For example, in the cladogram
shown, birds and crocodiles are grouped into a clade called
archosaurs, which share characteristics such as a 4
chambered heart and socketed teeth.

1) Examine the cladogram above and suggest a trait that lizards and snakes share, but is not shared by
individuals of other groups.

Students are not likely to come up with the precise answer, but this area is for discussion and thoughts from
students and to assess what students already know about the topic.

Student answers may include:

● scales (but you could point out that birds and crocs have scales)
● venom (some lizards do have venom, like gila monsters)
● lack of eyelids
● tails (also a trait shared with other groups)

Technically, members of the order squamata which include snakes and lizards have a type of scaly skin not
found on other reptiles or birds, and they possess moveable quadrate bones, which allow them to move the
upper jaw, this is why snakes can open their mouths wide. ​ ​https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squamata

​Activity 1: Create an Animal Cladogram

2) For each animal shown, list as many characteristics as you can. You can also include traits that aren't
apparent from the photo, such as reproductive strategies or unique behaviors. Try to come up with traits that
are shared by multiple animals and at least one trait that is unique for each animal.

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This is also an area where students are free to share and discuss what they know about these animals. It may
be a good idea to not give them page 2 which partially gives away the answers here. Some students may not
realize that birds have scales on their feet similar to lizards. Fish also have scales, but they don’t have skin
the same way reptiles do. Most will focus on obvious differences in body covering: scales, fur, skin, etc. You
may need to provide leading questions to get students to think about shared features and unique features.

3) Complete a characteristics chart. Place an​ X ​for features that each animal has, and a ​O​ for features not
exhibited in the animal. All of these animals have backbones, the first column is completed for you.

Trait 1 Trait 2 Trait 3 Trait 4 Trait 5

Backbone Lungs Amniote Egg* 4 chambered Fur

heart

Fish X O O O O

Frog X X O O O

Lizard X X X O O

Bird X X X X O

Koala X X X X X

Depending on your lesson sequence, students may not know what an amniote egg is or which animals have a
four chambered heart. You may want to provide guidance for this section.

4) The chart is then converted to a cladogram. Each group, called a CLADE, has the traits below it on the
diagram. When an group doesn't have a trait, it is called an OUTGROUP. The first outgroup is fish, because it
is the only one that doesn't have lungs.

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Activity 2: Create Your Own Cladogram
Cladograms are also used to show relationships between plants, fungi, and other living organisms. A
cladogram can focus on one group, like birds or dinosaurs to show relationships based on characteristics and
other evidence. Now that you know how to build one, your task is to create a cladogram for a group of animals
of your choice.

Examples of groups to choose from: fish, birds, insects, dinosaurs, monkeys, reptiles, canines, felines, trees,
flowers.

*Choose a group that you know something about so you can create your chart based on observed traits and
your own knowledge..

Requirements:

● You must have 4 - 6 organisms

● You must create a chart like the one in #3 which includes traits that are shared and traits that are unique
● You must create a cladogram like the on in #4.
● While there may not be one *correct* cladogram for your group, be prepared to defend your cladogram design

There are no “correct” answers for this, and the goal is about process and critical thinking. There is
established science and you can use wiki pages to show examples of cladograms for major groups, but most
are too technical for students in high school to really grasp. I give students whiteboards or chalk markers and
guide them through many revisions.

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 Name:____________________________________________Date: _______

What is a Cladogram?
A ​cladogram​ is a diagram that shows relationships between species. These relationships are based on
observable physical characteristics. Cladograms show the relationships in a graphic that looks like a tree, with
branches connected to a common ancestry. Each branch represents a new distinct trait that was not seen in
the group lower on the tree. These distinct traits are called derived characteristics.

The groups on the diagram are organized into clades, each clade shares distinct traits. For example, in the
cladogram shown, birds and crocodiles are grouped into a clade called archosaurs, which share characteristics
such as a 4 chambered heart and socketed teeth.

1) Examine the cladogram above and suggest a trait that lizards and snakes share, but is not shared by
individuals of other groups.

​Activity 1: Create an Animal Cladogram

2) For each animal shown, list as many characteristics as you can. You can also include traits that aren't
apparent from the photo, such as reproductive strategies or unique behaviors. Try to come up with traits that
are shared by multiple animals and at least one trait that is unique for each animal.

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3) Complete a characteristics chart. Place an​ X ​for features that each animal has, and a ​O​ for features not
exhibited in the animal. All of these animals have backbones, the first column is completed for you.

Trait 1 Trait 2 Trait 3 Trait 4 Trait 5

Backbone Lungs Amniote Egg 4 chambered Fur

heart

Fish X

Frog X

Lizard X

Bird X

Koala X

4) The chart is then converted to a cladogram. Each group, called a CLADE, has the traits below it on the
diagram. When an group doesn't have a trait, it is called an OUTGROUP. The first outgroup is fish, because it
is the only one that doesn't have lungs.

www.biologycorner.com 
Activity 2: Create Your Own Cladogram
Cladograms are also used to show relationships between plants, fungi, and other living organisms. A
cladogram can focus on one group, like birds or dinosaurs to show relationships based on characteristics and
other evidence. Now that you know how to build one, your task is to create a cladogram for a group of animals
of your choice.

Examples of groups to choose from: fish, birds, insects, dinosaurs, monkeys, reptiles, canines, felines, trees,
flowers.

*Choose a group that you know something about so you can create your chart based on observed traits and
your own knowledge..

Requirements:

● You must have 4 - 6 organisms

● You must create a chart like the one in #3 which includes traits that are shared and traits that are
unique
● You must create a cladogram like the on in #4.
● While there may not be one *correct* cladogram for your group, be prepared to defend your cladogram
design

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