In terms of evolutionary biology, what does a phylogenetic tree represent?

A phylogenetic tree is a diagram that illustrates the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on their common ancestry. It visually represents how species or groups of species have diverged from common ancestors over time, highlighting their evolutionary pathways. Each branch point, or node, indicates a common ancestor shared by the species that diverge from that point, allowing for an understanding of the evolutionary history and lineage of those species.

In evolutionary biology, this tree helps researchers trace back the lineage of organisms, study evolutionary events, and understand how genetic changes have influenced species development. By depicting the hierarchical structure of these relationships, it provides insights into how modern species are interconnected through their evolutionary past.