Field Museum

A phylogenetic tree is a diagram depicting the evolutionary relationships between different species. Organisms connected by vertexes appearing higher up on this phylogenetic tree are more closely related. 

In this resource kit, you collected observations about three animals that are more related than you might expect. Two of these animals are modern creatures: Penguin and Alligator. However, these two animals actually share a common ancestor with the last living dinosaurs! 

Observe the phylogenetic tree above. Based on this diagram, which animal is more closely related to dinosaurs - the alligator or the penguin? 

Does this diagram depict the sort of relatedness you would expect based on the evidence you collected during this activity?

Constructing a Phylogeny

These three animals all use eggs for reproduction. Document your observations about the similarities and differences between these animals' eggs. 

Eggs

Use these images to observe and document similarities and differences in the skull structure of these three animals. 

Skulls

Use this chart to keep track of your observations as you explore the slideshows in this resource kit.

Document your Observations

Make note of structural similarities and differences as you explore the feet structures of the three organisms featured in this slideshow: Alligator, Deinonychus, and Penguin. 

Feet

Fill in the Venn diagram using the information you collected during your investigation of the three animals throughout the past five activities!

Plotting Similarities and Differences

Use these images and reconstructions to make observations about these three animals' skin or body coverings. 

Skin / Body Cover

Use these images and reconstructions to make observations about these three animals'  tails and hip structure. 

Tail and Hips

Today's Dinos

Explore the similarities and differences between dinosaurs and their closest modern relatives.

Resource Kits

Object Library

Museums

Today's Dinos

Constructing a Phylogeny

Background Knowledge