Question

So cladograms, for my biology class we have to make a cladogram for the bird group which includes Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Robin, Scarlet Finch, and Peruvian Pelican. I already made a texonomy chart which I'll post in a second; but I don't know what my cladogram should reflect as far as traits and I'm not really sure how they work because the help video is down on the website... any help is appreciated c: THANKS!

Answer 1

Actually I'm pretty ok on how to make them but I don't know which traits I should use now.

Answer 2

I did this assignment too! It seemed hard at first, but it's actually not that bad. What you do is you write down all the physical traits that you observe from pictures of these animals. Normally, scientists would use more in depth information, I guess you could say. However, all we have to go off of is their physical traits. Also, remember that there's no wrong way to make your cladogram, as long as you can justify it. So for example, I remember putting the pelican off to the side all alone because it was the only animal to have webbed feet and some other traits I don't remember. I hope this helps you!

Answer 3

Oh thanks a ton! c: Do I have to put a ancestor?? or should I just like put them in order from most shared traits to the pelican?

Answer 4

Nope you don't have to use any other animals! Just the ones that were assigned. But I guess it couldn't hurt if you wanted to?

Answer 5

ok, thanks^^ That helps a lot c:

Answer 6

No problem!