Free Printable WorksheetScienceGrade 10Science CurriculumBIO.10.79

10.79 Phylogenetic Trees and Cladograms Worksheet

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Worksheet Overview & Skills Covered

Core academic competencies and curriculum alignment

This Biology Science worksheet provides structured practice on 10.79 Phylogenetic Trees and Cladograms. Students are guided through targeted exercises that build foundational understanding, computational accuracy, and critical thinking skills.

Phylogenetic Trees and Cladograms: Students interpret common ancestors, shared derived traits, branching patterns, molecular data, and evolutionary relationships in cladograms and phylogenies. Rigor range: standard concept checks through honors/Pre-AP/AP-ready evidence, phylogeny, population, and evolutionary mechanism analysis. Aligned to FreeK12Practice High School Biology Curriculum Crosswalk (NGSS/NRC Framework; CCSS Literacy and Mathematics; AP Biology enrichment; Texas TEKS Biology; Florida NGSSS/CPALMS Biology; Virginia SOL Biology; California NGSS and New York State Science Learning Standards) BIO.10.79 - Phylogenetic Trees and Cladograms: National: NGSS HS-LS4-1; DCI LS4.A; SEP: Developing Models; CCSS RST.9-10.7; RST.9-10.9; AP Biology EVO-1, SP2. State frameworks: TX TEKS BIO.9A; FL NGSSS SC.912.L.15.4, SC.912.L.15.6; VA SOL BIO.6a-f, BIO.7a; CA NGSS/NYSSLS HS-LS4-1.

Whether you are an educator preparing classroom handouts, a tutor reinforcing weekly topics, or a parent supporting homeschool learning, this printable resource gives students the deliberate practice required to achieve subject fluency and master state standards.

Grade

Biology

Subject

Science

Domain

Science Curriculum

Formats

PDF & DOCX

Sample Practice Problems

Preview the types of problems and questions covered in this worksheet

Below are sample questions representative of the exercises included on this worksheet and related 10.79 Phylogenetic Trees and Cladograms skill assessments:

Problem 1Difficulty: Mastery

Which claim-evidence-reasoning statement best interprets a cladogram and DNA table together?

ATaxon C evolved from Taxon B because C is printed above B in the diagram.

BTaxa B and C are closest because they have the most complex bodies, regardless of DNA.

CThe outgroup is the direct parent of B and C because it is placed near the root.

DTaxa B and C likely share a recent common ancestor because they form a sister pair on the cladogram and share unique DNA changes absent from the outgroup.

Solution & Explanation:The best interpretation connects the tree pattern to molecular evidence and avoids ladder thinking or unsupported claims about direct ancestry.

Problem 2Difficulty: Mastery

Use the tree with extinct taxa at the tips. What does an extinct taxon shown at a branch tip usually represent?

AA label proving that evolution stopped at the root

BA modern species hidden inside another branch

CA sampled extinct lineage, not necessarily the direct ancestor of the other tips

DThe exact parent of every living taxon on the tree

Solution & Explanation:Extinct taxa can be terminal branches just like living taxa. A fossil tip may be related to ancestors, but it is not automatically the direct ancestor of all later species.

Problem 3Difficulty: Mastery

Two equally well-supported trees explain the same data, but they disagree about whether Taxon B or Taxon C is closer to Taxon D. What is the best conclusion?

AChoose the tree with the prettier layout as the scientific answer.

BThe relationship is unresolved with the current evidence, so uncertainty should be reported or more data collected.

CAssume B and C are both direct ancestors of D.

DReject all evidence for common ancestry.

Solution & Explanation:When data support multiple hypotheses equally, scientists should communicate the uncertainty and seek additional evidence rather than overclaiming.

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QWhat grade level and standards does this worksheet align with?

This worksheet is designed specifically for Biology Science students. It aligns with educational standard BIO.10.79 (National: NGSS HS-LS4-1; DCI LS4.A; SEP: Developing Models; CCSS RST.9-10.7; RST.9-10.9; AP Biology EVO-1, SP2. State frameworks: TX TEKS BIO.9A; FL NGSSS SC.912.L.15.4, SC.912.L.15.6; VA SOL BIO.6a-f, BIO.7a; CA NGSS/NYSSLS HS-LS4-1.).