<sod>  
 ==Introduction==
 
Based on a wide variety of information, which includes genetic analysis, biochemical analysis, and analysis of morphology, treelike relationship-diagrams called "cladograms" are drawn up to show different possibilities.
 
[[image:cladogram-example2.png|framed|A vertical orientation yields a cladogram reminiscent of a tree.  All plants in this diagram descend from ferns.]]
 
In a cladogram, all organisms lie at the endpoints, and each split is ideally binary (two-way). The two [[taxon|taxa]] either side of a split are called ''sister taxa'' or ''sister groups''. Each branch, whether it only contains one item or a hundred thousand, is called a ''clade''. A correct cladogram should have all the organisms contained in any one clade share a unique ancestor for that clade, one which they do not share with any other organisms on the diagram. Each clade should be set off by a series of characteristics that appear in its members but not in the other forms it diverged from. These identifying characteristics of a clade are called ''synapomorphies'' (shared, derived characters). For instance, hardened front [[wing]]s are a synapomorphy of [[beetle]]s, while [[Vernation|circinate vernation]], or the unrolling of new fronds, is a synapomorphy of [[fern]]s.
 
 ==Cladistic methods==
 
 <eod> <sod> 
 ==Introduction==
 
Based on a wide variety of information, which includes genetic analysis, biochemical analysis, and analysis of morphology, [[Tree_(graph_theory)|tree]]like relationship-diagrams called "cladograms" are drawn up to show different possibilities.
 
[[image:cladogram-example2.png|framed|A vertical orientation yields a cladogram reminiscent of a [[Tree_(graph_theory)|tree]].  All plants in this diagram descend from ferns.]]
 
In a cladogram, all organisms lie at the leaves, and each inner node is ideally binary (two-way). The two [[taxon|taxa]] either side of a split are called ''sister taxa'' or ''sister groups''. Each subtree, whether it only contains one item or a hundred thousand, is called a ''clade''. A correct cladogram should have all the organisms contained in any one clade share a unique ancestor for that clade, one which they do not share with any other organisms on the diagram. Each clade should be set off by a series of characteristics that appear in its members but not in the other forms it diverged from. These identifying characteristics of a clade are called ''synapomorphies'' (shared, derived characters). For instance, hardened front [[wing]]s are a synapomorphy of [[beetle]]s, while [[Vernation|circinate vernation]], or the unrolling of new fronds, is a synapomorphy of [[fern]]s.
 
 ==Cladistic methods==
 
 <eod>